Android versus iPhone live multiplayer gaming made possible in SGN's Skies of Glory

Shocking as this might sound, there are no only a few games in which iPhone and Android users can go at each other in live multiplayer mode. Exploiting this vast void is Social Gaming Network, whose Skies of Glory aerial dogfighting title has been ported to Android (2.0 and above) while retaining the ability to communicate with iOS devices over WiFi, 3G or Bluetooth connections. Frankly, we can't think of a better game to get the cross-platform multiplayer movement going: fAndroids and iPhoneys gunning each other down while talking smack to themselves should prove therapeutic for both parties. On a more serious note, given the tireless growth that both platforms are showing, this kind of thing should hopefully tend toward being the rule rather than the exception.

Update: Our readers have sagely reminded us that Raging Thunder 2 and Homerun Battle 3D have done the cross-platform dance already. The more the merrier, we say.

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Social Gaming Network Launches First Cross-platform Mobile Game to Enable Live iPhone-to-Android Gameplay over 3G, WIFI and Bluetooth

Popular Multiplayer Game "Skies of Glory" Now Available on Android Platform

PALO ALTO, Calif. – (July 16, 2010) – SGN, the leader in cutting-edge social mobile gaming, today announced the launch of the first multi-platform mobile game allowing iPhone and Android users to compete live against one another. First launched on iPhone in December 2009, SGN's hit aerial combat game "Skies of Glory" is now available on Android-based mobile phones above 2.0, including the EVO, Nexus and Droid. Android-toting gamers can not only join the action, but can play against their iPhone-carrying friends. In multiplayer game mode, an Android-based player can spot, engage and shoot down an iOS-based player. "Skies of Glory" for Android was developed in collaboration with Revo Solutions Games, SGN's development partner on the original iPhone game.

SGN's entry into the Android Market follows a meteoric rise in platform adoption. According to Gartner Research, Android represented 26.6% of all North American smartphone sales in Q1 2010 -- a year-over-year increase of more than 500%.

"Mobile phones are unquestionably the gaming platform of the future. Smartphones are becoming accessible to all, and we are really excited to offer a true multi-platform, multiplayer social mobile gaming experience through 'Skies of Glory,' said SGN CEO Randy Breen. "As more and more people connect with family and friends through gaming, we continue to facilitate that connection regardless of users' device or platform preferences."

Recognizing both platforms' potential, SGN and Revo Solutions Games created an Open Platform Multiplayer Framework to support a variety of platforms and a wide range of connection capabilities, from EDGE to 3G to WiFi, maximizing gamers' ability to connect.

For Android-based gamers, "Skies of Glory" features the same intense, stunning gameplay enjoyed by iPhone and iPod touch players. Set in World War II, the game features authentic planes from the era competing in multiplayer dogfights over stunning terrains, including mountain ranges, deserts, islands and oceans.

[buoy Posted Jul 19th 2010 6:49AM]

This means WAR! Kill the iPhone people! Kill them all!!!

*points to android army*

[Teslanaut Posted Jul 19th 2010 7:02AM]

@buoy Can't we all just, get along?

[fpad77 Posted Jul 19th 2010 7:05AM]

@Teslanaut Multi-user mobile mario kart type game would be pretty awesome. These games are good but I think quirkier sort of games would encourage it a bit more, I definetly think it's a step in the right direction though...

[TinWard Posted Jul 19th 2010 7:08AM]

@buoy

We outnumber you significantly [/rubs hands]

[fpad77 Posted Jul 19th 2010 7:18AM]

@TinWard Ours evolve many times a year instead of yearly cycles. Expanding faster than you can say Fibonacci!

[raiden8383 Posted Jul 19th 2010 7:31AM]

@buoy

iRobot vs Transformers?

[Hmm Posted Jul 19th 2010 7:47AM]

@Teslanaut
well cross platform apps means we no longer need to persuade friends to get compatible products, so yes, there is no need to *kill* users of any other platform (perhaps bringing an end to fanboyism?) :P

[Very Powerfull Codfish Posted Jul 19th 2010 7:50AM]

@TinWard Like proven at the Engadget show, the nerds are the most willing and nerdy when it boils down to a real fight!

[Kangal Posted Jul 19th 2010 7:54AM]

@raiden8383

iRobot = Apple = iPhone 3GS
Terminators = HTC = Nexus One
madness?

[Ryan Deen Posted Jul 19th 2010 7:57AM]

Hey 'Words With Friends', make a crossover version for Android already!

Thanks. Byebyefornow.

[zob Posted Jul 19th 2010 8:50AM]

@buoy now thats awesome, gz SGN

[tophat Posted Jul 19th 2010 8:55AM]

@Kangal
The most obvious roboty name for anyone using a nexus one is clearly "replicant".

[rutter9 Posted Jul 19th 2010 9:18AM]

@tophat

I'm still surprised Words with Friends hasn't made it over to android.

[kineticdamage Posted Jul 19th 2010 9:20AM]

@buoy

That's cool, but it means normalized data over the air, which could make it less secured against hackers (like data bots)

[Xtole Posted Jul 19th 2010 9:41AM]

Android Wins

[Kedar Posted Jul 19th 2010 9:59AM]

@raiden8383 On that note, Exzeus Arcade is on Android as well. With stunning graphics and gameplay, I must say... even on Snapdragon devices.

[2FR35H Posted Jul 19th 2010 9:59AM]

@Xtole

Samsung Vibrant Wins :) best graphics and display for gaming possible today.

[InnocentEd Posted Jul 19th 2010 10:24AM]

@Ryan Deen Seriously. They seem to be super Apple crazies over at NewToy. I have requested several times for them to make an Android version that could play with iOS devices which for Words with Friends should be EASY and they never even consider it.

I even got scolded via email that new platforms were not a concern for them .......... screw them

[nuclearopts Posted Jul 19th 2010 10:29AM]

@buoy

I'd love to fight an EVO or DROID X user in ELIMINATE PRO. My iPhone 4's screen resolution is so much higher than yours, you won't be able to hit me.

[jfreckles23 Posted Jul 19th 2010 10:50AM]

@nuclearopts
I'm confused as to why resolution would make a difference in game play? Seems to me like a larger screen would provide wider line of sight making out easier to play.

[Seven2k Posted Jul 19th 2010 11:07AM]

@buoy

yes kill them all!!!

Ill take the underdog (Android.)

Not the size of the dog in the fight but the fight inside the dog.

[bew Posted Jul 19th 2010 11:21AM]

@Kangal Madness?

THIS IS SPARTAAAAAAAAAAA!

[Frankenstein Black Posted Jul 19th 2010 12:24PM]

@TinWard - BUCK! BUCK! Says the little green droid to the baked apple!

[pittronics Posted Jul 19th 2010 1:07PM]

@buoy hahaha I'm complete Apple slut, After working for the company for a few years and dooing Sysadmin work all on Apple hardware - they have me completely programed - but,,., -- I am moving to Android - My iPhone is really slow and I face the only solution for a faster iPhone.. and it involves AT&T - so peace out bitches ! my love for Linux - thirst for speed and need full bars --- I'm joining the V's - Hoping the Droid X get's rooted soon !

[commiebastard Posted Jul 19th 2010 4:12PM]

@tophat Good call. "Replicant" or "Tyrell" would be good. As a droid owner, I plan to identify myself as "R2" or something similar. I feel like iphone owners should get Terminator handles, just because it's the biggest name and iphone is the biggest name, but that could definitely be improved on. One possibility would be "1984" themed names.

[utjuice07 Posted Jul 19th 2010 4:17PM]

@buoy LMAO! SIR YES SIR!!

[centizen Posted Jul 19th 2010 4:33PM]

@utjuice07 I wonder how long it will take for Apple to remove the apps for some reason or another.

[LordThree Posted Jul 20th 2010 11:03AM]

@jfreckles23 REAL gamers realize that you want as small and high def a screen as possible. If you've got a big screen you end up having to pan your eyes farthur. Doesn't seem like much, but it can make all the difference. This is why hardcore FPS gamers laugh at guys with screens so big the literally have to turn their entire head to see the other side of.

[xslavic Posted Jul 19th 2010 6:51AM]

it could be nice having armed remote controlled drones , so we could fight in the air, and the others could watch .... " ouchhhh , coooool, they are so smart ..and have an iphone ....whaaaaaaaawwwwww ... "

[Muhammad Oli Posted Jul 19th 2010 6:52AM]

Homerun Battle 3D anyone? Or doesn't that count for some reason?

[juanvaldez Posted Jul 19th 2010 6:54AM]

I want on my SGS.

[ChazClout Posted Jul 19th 2010 6:56AM]

Polarbit did cross platform multiplayer ages ago with Raging Thunder 2: http://www.polarbit.com/2010/03/raging-thunder-2-the-boost-is-loose-on-iphone-and-android/
"Featuring online, cross-platform multiplayer, Raging Thunder 2 allows players to challenge strangers around the world to heart pumping racing action whether on an iPhone or Android phone."

[Level 5 Posted Jul 19th 2010 6:56AM]

I'm down for this all day, every day. Hopefully this will mean more GAMES on Android that aren't complete crap (N1 owner here, no diss, all love!). Give me this shit, and I want it and I want it NOW.

[TommyPolarbit Posted Jul 19th 2010 7:00AM]

Mmm... yeah, we've done quite a few games with cross-platform multiplayer, supporting iPhone, Android and Ovi Store as well. Over the Internet or locally. Look for Raging Thunder (1 or 2), Armageddon Squadron, Wave Blazer or Toon Warz. Real impressive research there, Engadget. ;)

[ce782138 Posted Jul 19th 2010 7:08AM]

@TommyPolarbit sadly, blogs don't research anymore these days. They just copy paste eachother and believe it to be true. It's quite obvious looking at all the false information spreading like crazy these days.

[TommyPolarbit Posted Jul 19th 2010 7:24AM]

@ce782138 Handy for PR purposes (for someone lacking scruples). Send out a press release claiming whatever info you want out there and wait for it to be published without verification just about everywhere. Who cares if people refute it in the comments section, it'll be "true" by then anyway. Though I noticed Engadget just appended the post with ref. to RT2 and some other game, which is nice of them. ;)

[spawn782 Posted Jul 19th 2010 9:49AM]

@TommyPolarbit You better start looking at Win Phone 7 OS soon :)

[Critic2029 Posted Jul 19th 2010 7:02AM]

Don't worry. Apple game center will put an end to this.

[rock99rock REDUX Posted Jul 19th 2010 12:01PM]

@Critic2029

*Laughs uncontrollably.

[mackenziepricee Posted Jul 19th 2010 7:03AM]

Shame my Zune HD already does this!

[MrT Posted Jul 19th 2010 7:33AM]

@mackenziepricee No one cares about you and your fanboism

[mackenziepricee Posted Jul 19th 2010 7:49AM]

@MrT Very rich stuff.

All I did was state a fact. Can't handle it?

[Chris DPSN AggieCEO XBLThe Aggi Posted Jul 19th 2010 7:50AM]

@mackenziepricee the Zune HD does this? how so? I was planning on getting one until they announced WinPho7 but I am curious as to what platform the Zune HD communicates with

and Mr. T you forgot to say "fool"

[mackenziepricee Posted Jul 19th 2010 7:52AM]

@Chris DPSN AggieCEO XBLThe Aggi I read the title/article wrong. After re-reading it I should have said it plays Zune - Zune.

Eg. I can paly PGR against my friend with a Zune ect.

MY BAD.

[suicidebob Posted Jul 19th 2010 8:29AM]

@mackenziepricee

Nice backtrack, kid. You made yourself look like a complete tool!

[Accelerator Posted Jul 19th 2010 8:50AM]

@mackenziepricee
WOW! You can play your only game against someone that owns the same device!!! never seen that before...

read the title maybe? iphones could play against eachother since the birth of the app store , but this is about cross platform gaming

[Dale P Posted Jul 19th 2010 9:57AM]

@mackenziepricee You got saaaaaaaaacked.

[mackenziepricee Posted Jul 19th 2010 7:04AM]

Oh yead and whats the deal with Game Center?

Apple saw Xbox Live on Windows Phone and got scared so they decided to add a feature at the last minute? Obviously it was a last minute thought if it did not ship with iOS4.0

[MrT Posted Jul 19th 2010 7:33AM]

@mackenziepricee Apple would not be scared of a not yet started platform. Apple has thousands of games in the app store and millions of players, something which might not happen to windows phone. Apple didn't stuff this in the last moment, they obviously realised that their platform is growing rapidly and wanted to give people a better playing environment

[mackenziepricee Posted Jul 19th 2010 7:51AM]

@MrT
Wow seariously, wow.

It is a dirrect rip off of Xbox Live. You can not seriously be saying that Apple had a big idea of Game Center all along? If they did, it would of been released with iOS4.0.

Obviously someone from Apple was reading up on Windows Phone, HEY LOOK, THEY HAVE SOMETHNG WE DONE.

Move that Kool-aid off the table and open your eyes.