Javaground releases cross platform game for Android and iPhone

More iPhone developers have begun to port their titles to Android as the mobile operating system gains momentum. Since the platforms have different native coding languages it can be a difficult and time consuming task. Thankfully, we're now beginning to see tools that allow developers to code in a single language and then easily convert to multiple platforms. Javaground has developed such a tool and has released its first title for Android.

Using Xpress Suite developers can write their apps in Java and then easily convert them to Android, iPhone, and Windows Mobile. To demonstrate its technology, Javaground has released UniWar for Android and iPhone.

UniWar is a turn-based strategy game where players battle their opponents online using three different races. First released for iPhone, it gained 30,000 registered users. And now this week, following UniWar's launch on the Android Market, players from different platforms can compete in free-for-all and team modes.

Javaground spokesman Alexandre Kral said his company chose to release the game on Android because the OS is picking up speed, and it expects Android will be one of the dominant platforms in the next few years. "We like the Android platform because it is robust, well designed and very open," he said. "Google truly created a free marketplace, and as a believer in free markets, I think it will do very well."

Early reviews of the game are positive, with users comparing it to StarCraft and Advance Wars. Up to eight players can compete in a single game on over 50 maps. Stats from the online games are compiled and posted on the official UniWar global ladder. In addition to the multiplayer mode, there's also a single-player campaign with 21 missions to conquer. The game is currently available in the Android Market for $4.99.