AOL has announced an overhaul of its online gaming platform to turn it into a cross-platform experience with a mobile-first mentality.
Using new technologies like HTML5, the all-new Games.com will provide a consistent user experience whether on a desktop or mobile device. As mobile gaming continues to grow, the online gaming network wants to make sure it’s a big part of the latest trend.
Currently, Games.com hosts a library of more than 5,000 free online games from top developers like Arkadium and Big Fish Games, plus a wide selection of mobile games. Presumably, the latter half of this collection is set to grow following the announcement made at GDC Online, a three-day game developers conference taking place in Texas from today.
“AOL users have always been passionate about gaming and we’re excited to give them an industry-leading experience that operates fluidly across all devices,” said John Fox, general manager of Games.com. “We’re focused on creating an experience that allows users to discover, play and share games.”
Phase one
Phase one of the redevelopment has already been rolled out and, logging onto Games.com today, users can choose whether to visit the classic version of the site or try out the new look. They can return to the older version at any point and will be asked what they didn’t like about the new iteration if they do so. Presumably, AOL wants feedback on the all-new Games.com before rolling out phase two and making the whole thing permanent.
As well as multi-device compatibility, the clean layout of the new Games.com makes search and discovery of games easy for users and the site will highlight a different game every day and provide related games suggestions. Users will also be allowed to highlight their favourites for access on any device.
The new Games.com also promises new engagement and personalisation features, as well as access to gaming history, badges, points and rankings via a Social Bar.
“This is just the start,” said Fox. “We have an exciting road map of new features and enhancements which will roll out over the coming months – including additional personalisation and social features, opportunities for independent developers to work closely with us and many more games our users will love.”
