Distinctive Developments is to harness the power of social networking as a marketing tool for the upcoming sequel to its 3D Pool mobile game.

The original title, first published in 2004, has been given a major graphical and gameplay overhaul for its Facebook debut.

Members of the online community will be able to play each other in real-time or as part of a turn-based mechanic, amassing achievement points as they go that are displayed in their profiles.

Distinctive’s goal is to use Facebook to promote the next mobile instalment of the franchise, Anytime Pool, which is currently in development. The new game will offer PC-to-mobile turn-based multiplayer functionality.

The UK-based studio is in discussions with potential publishers with a view to a 4Q08 mobile release of Anytime Pool, which will be supported by a ‘click ro buy’ option within the Facebook site.

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Speaking to ME, Distinctive Developments’ MD Nigel Little said: “This is still a highly experimental strategy, but as the market for mobile games moves off-portal, social networking sites could have a key roll to play when it comes to marketing and content discovery.”