Amazon has announced the GameOn applications programming interface (API) for developers that lets studios award in-game and real-world prizes fulfilled by Amazon.
Amazon envisions the developer tool ultimately being used by players to create in-game competitions (including leaderboards and leagues), with developers "retaining complete control over the prize type, value, and quantity."
GameOn launch partners include Eden Games, which created the Gear Club mobile title (shown), although the tech works with any platform.
[Source: Amazon]
Our Take
Crossing the line between in-game rewards to real-world ones is a tantalizing prospect that gamers have wanted, but which hasn't become widespread to this point. It will be interesting to see if GameOn makes this practice popular.