OpenFeint to launch single sign-on system for iOS social games

Aims to fill the gap left as Apple deprecates UDID access.

When Apple announced earlier this month that it will 'deprecate' universal device IDs (UDIDs) for iOS, developers were worried: these IDs are a crucial way of tracking usage of their games and apps, and are used by analytics companies and advertising networks too.

Social games network OpenFeint is hoping to help on the gaming side by launching a replacement system: OpenFeint Single Sign-On.

Due to launch this autumn, it will let developers access something called the OFUID for players who opt in - an important point - ensuring they can still track and act on players' behaviour across different games.

"With the deprecation of UDID, social game developers need access to a universal method for identifying and delivering services to their users," says CEO Jason Citron. "Available to 115 million gamers at launch, OFUID will offer that reach and improve on it by giving users a way to share information with game developers, if they so choose."

Apple will no doubt be keeping a close eye on external attempts to replace the UDID system, to ensure its iOS users' privacy is not suffering.