Applifier opens up to all social app developers, free traffic for all!

The lovechApplifier Logoild of Nabeel Hyatt of Conduit Labs and Everplay's Jussi Laakkonen, Applifier has finally opened itself up for any social app developer to sign up for the service. Just four months after the game bar's release, it has grown to being visible to 55 million social game players through several mid-size developers like ZipZapPlay and Digital Chocolate, according to Applifier.com.

Signing up for the service allows developers to place their games on the bar while installing the ad bar itself on their own games. For example, if Digital Chocolate decides to install the bar on top of MMA Pro Fighter (one of their more popular games), MMA Pro Fighter will appear on other developers' games who have also installed Applifier cross promotion bar and vise versa. Thus, free exposure--and hopefully traffic--for all!

Applifier serves as means for smaller developers to generate users comparable to the big league players Zynga and Electronic Arts, who have 230 million and 54 million monthly users respectively. The booming service has gained 20 million more eyeballs in the past month alone, according to Applifier CEO Laakkonen, but he remains humble.

"When we started four months ago, if someone told me we'd cross 50 million, I would have laughed," Laakkonen said. "At 10 million, I thought we'd made it, that there was nothing more to be done."

With growth like this, clearly Applifier has a while to go before it plateaus. Could the service garner enough user attention to compete with Zynga's massive amount of users? Only time will tell (they have a long way to go).

Like cutesy birds? How about ropes? Then you'll love Rope Rescue

How do you best the crazy success of two of your most beloved iOS games? Make one game to rule them all! At least that's what seems to be EA and Chillingo's idea behind Rope Rescue. This upcoming game for iOS devices is set to release "soon," according to video posted by Kotaku's Brian Crecente (found below).

The game was spotted at an EA fall preview event, and it challenges players with--using a rope attached to one bird across pulleys and avoiding obstacles--freeing a slew of caged birds. Hmm, colorful, animated birds guiding ropes that are in danger of being cut?

That sounds as if Chillingo and EA are looking to hook Angry Birds and Cut the Rope (you know, the two astronomical iPhone games?) fans--though, that could entirely coincidental. In the duo's defense, neither are these birds "angry" nor is the goal of the game to "cut the rope." (In fact, your mission is to keep the rope intact amidst floating knives, bursts of flame and other threats.)


There looks to be around 60 levels that will be ready at launch, which will grow in complexity as you progress. And as you rescue more birds, they will be featured in a bird sanctuary of sorts. It also displays secret butterflies, should you manage to find them in each level. No official release date or price was announced during the event, but Kotaku seems to think we'll be seeing the game this September. Stay tuned, folks: This might be the next Angry Birds ... or should I say Cut the Rope? Oh, whatever.

[Image Credit: Modojo]

Are you psyched for an iOS game that has both birds and ropes in it? Do you think Rope Rescue could take off like Angry Birds and Cut the Rope did for Chillingo?

NHL Superstars coming to Facebook in October

Adding to its popular brand of "Superstars" titles on Facebook, Electronic Arts has announced the production of NHL Superstars for Facebook. This new game, as reported by ShackNews, comes on the heels of EA's NHL 12 on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 breaking franchise records for the biggest launch week in the franchise's history.

As for the franchise's jump onto the Facebook ice, we're told this: "NHL Superstars will bring an all-new NHL experience to millions of hockey fans by enabling players to build and manage their ultimate team of professional hockey players. With dynamic and accessible gameplay, fans can compete head-to-head in games against their Facebook friends from around the world."

While specific details are still lacking as to what we can exactly expect from NHL Superstars, we can't imagine EA / Playfish breaking the mold. We'll likely be able to collect cards that contain professional hockey players, and then trade those cards out to create the best team possible. Each player will likely have stats, and we'll be able to use those players in virtual hockey games against others for supremacy.

We don't have a specific release date for NHL Superstars, although the game is set to take to the ice sometime in October. We'll make sure to give you a complete look at the game when we know more.

Are you excited to see NHL Superstars come to Facebook? Which players will you look for to create your perfect team?

Want exclusive freebies in The Sims Social? Register on the forums

I'd put away that credit card, if I were you, at least for the moment. I know, it's burning a hole and blah, blah, blah, but Playfish recently announced that it will give The Sims Social players exclusive freebies on a regular basis, but under one condition: You have to register on the Playfish forums. In fact, the game's community team created a new forum category just for this purpose.

Starting last week, Playfish gave away some free Relaxation--an ingredient used in crafting Fun Potions--in a short 24-hour window. So, it looks like, if you do decide to partake in the freebie-fest, you'll have to visit the Playfish forums on a regular basis to catch the next free giveaway that pops up. Perhaps eventually the developer will start to dole some beefier prizes like decorations for your Sim's house or straight-up Simoleons and Social Points.

EA and Playfish have been on a freebie frenzy as of late for all The Sims Social players. Just recently, the developer announced a week-long event in which it will post even more handouts on its Facebook page. At this point, we can't help but ask: Why? Well, considering just how close The Sims Social is to overtaking Zynga's CityVille as the number one game on Facebook in daily players, we're not surprised that Playfish would be pulling all the stops. To register on the Playfish forums, click right here.

Have you been reaping the rewards from Playfish on the forums and on The Sims Social Facebook page? What do you think of the game so far? Share with us in the comments. 1 Comment