Amazon just announced GameCircle, a new set of services designed to make it easier for developers to create more engaging gaming experiences and grow their business on Kindle Fire, yesterday.  As I’ve said in my article, Amazon should’ve put multiplayer and game invite features to GameCenter so it can pass off as Apple’s Game Center’s twin.  Turns out I spoke too soon.

Game Connect

A day after the GameCircle announcement, Amazon unveiled Game Connect–a platform that enables customers discover a new category of free-to-play and MMO digital games that marry the ease and security of shopping on Amazon with the convenience of having virtual goods delivered directly to their game accounts.

“Customers can now discover a new category of free-to-play games and can experience the convenience of having virtual items purchased with their Amazon account delivered directly to their game accounts,” says Mike Frazzini, director, Amazon Games. “Game Connect helps game developers reach more customers, move more quickly and grow their business by simplifying the purchase process for customers. This is an exciting next step for the Digital Games Store and we have even more to come.”

Game developers can now integrate Game Connect to their apps by visiting their start-up page.  Amazon believes that Game Connect will help developers sell their games faster as it simplifies the purchasing process.

“We have been impressed by the ease of integrating Game Connect into our games,” said Simon Bradbury, Designer and Co-Founder of Firefly Studios. “We believe this mass market platform will be perfect for the continuing growth of Stronghold Kingdoms and we expect to see a growth in our customer base all over the world.”

It all ties together

I know it may seem confusing as GameCircle and Game Connect seems similar services but they are not–they just complement each other.  GameCircle makes it easy for developers to keep track of their apps and keep their players engaged as it lets users track their achievements and how they stack up to other players in terms of scores in their leaderboard.  While Game Connect allows developers to easily sell their games in their service while allowing users to purchase online goods needed for their games without having to worry if the items would appear in their inventory.

In my opinion, I think Amazon just dissected Apple’s Game Center and scattered its features in their different services.  Now all they need is Game Arena–a gaming platform where players can engage with other players, invite them to a friendly game or challenge the hell out of other players just to prove they’re the king of mobile gaming.