Spin3 launches first Apple app store game

Mobile gamblers will soon be able to obtain the latest blackjack game to hit the market from the Apple App Store following Spin3's launch of 21 Blackjack Party, its first game released through this channel.

The new game will bring Spin3's advanced technology from the mobile casino world to consumers via the App Store, with additional community features.

Spin3 has developed one of its most popular games for the growing iPhone applications market, which boasts over 100 000 apps with more than 3 billion downloads.

21 BlackJack Party is Spin3's first step into the consumer applications market and represents a new direct-to-consumer approach for the traditionally b2b provider of turnkey mobile casinos.

Development has included the introduction of a community element within the game, tracking the players' skill level and uploading scores to a live scoreboard. The scoreboard introduces a competitive element to the game by enabling players to track their progress against other users at their level.

Players will be able to use their iPhones to check the scoreboard online through the 21 BlackJack Party microsite and will be notified whenever anyone enters or exits their level.

21 BlackJack Party puts to good use the full functionality of the iPhone with tap and slide movement and advanced graphics. The play-for-fun game enables players to create a personalised profile that appears when the game is launched and next to their score on the live scoreboard.
The server-based game saves each player's ranking and balance. Even if players need to close the game mid-hand, the game is saved enabling them to return at exactly the same point that they left.

Matti Zinder, head of Spin3, said, "The free-to-download game is designed to establish our presence in the app world. The decision to launch Blackjack on this new channel arose from the explosion in the apps market.

"Mobile application downloads are expected to reach five billion by 2014, which is a staggering number. Companies such as Zynga have made the transition to the applications market with its Texas Hold ‘em game and it's been a huge success. Our new application will soon be available free-of-charge on the Apple App Store with new games and exciting new developments to follow.

"We are also looking closely at the Android market as another terrific opportunity. Our 21 BlackJack Party application will also be available on the Android Market for Android powered devices very soon.

"By utilising our back office and CRM tools which enable us to include advanced features such as community elements and tournament gaming now and in the future, I think we've developed a game that can match or surpass Zynga's success."