Inside Social Games

Raptr, the cross-platform social gaming tool, today launched a new IM service than spans the most popular IM networks.

Now, all Raptr friends will be consolidated to one list that can be seen from PC, Mac, and even Xbox 360. Supported services include AIM, Yahoo! Messenger, MSN Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ, and Facebook Chat – even Xfire and Xbox Live.

“It’s often frustrating to connect with friends,” says Dennis Fong, Founder and CEO of Raptr. “You don’t know when they’re actually playing or how to reach them.”

As with other Raptr features, the new messaging support also tracks what games your friends are currently playing and updates their status in real-time, broadcasting their in-game achievements, rankings, and statistics for not only the previously stated platforms, but also Facebook, Flash, and even a few PlayStation 3 and Wii titles. Best of all, your friends can easily join your game (assuming it is joinable) through just a single click.

In related news, Raptr also announced new co-branded client partnerships with Activision and THQ. The two game developers will join other companies such as Sony Online Entertainment, NGN USA, Gala-Net, and GamesCampus.

Raptr is demonstrating the power of “word-of-mouth” through its social discovery mechanics. Between the new IM network, integration with social networks like Facebook and Twitter, and just the overall appeal of social distribution, it is no surprise that more large companies are taking notice.