Five million users strong, the Xfire online game community will soon be open to game players on the PlayStation 3, with built-in Xfire features available in Sony Online Entertainment LLC’s upcoming title, Untold Legends Dark Kingdom. Using Xfire functionality, gamers will be able to track when friends are playing Dark Kingdom online as well as chat with players on either a PC or a PlayStation 3. Xfire is a division of Viacom Inc.’s MTV Networks.

Dark Kingdom for the PlayStation 3 is scheduled to launch with Xfire’s friend tracking and chat services. PlayStation 3 players connected to the Internet will be able to log in to Xfire from the front end of Dark Kingdom, which will give them notice when their friends log in to the Xfire network, as well as allowing them to chat with their buddies while they play. The Xfire services within Dark Kingdom will be cross-platform, allowing friends to chat whether they are on a PlayStation 3 or a PC.

“Many of our PC game players already use Xfire to find and play with their friends online,” said John Smedley, President of Sony Online Entertainment. “By integrating Xfire features into our games we are able to strengthen our online community, making it even easier for our players to remain connected, whether they’re on a PC or a Playstation 3.”

“The opportunity to work with the PLAYSTATION 3 is tremendous. Many Xfire gamers and game publishers have been asking us about a version of Xfire for console play for some time now,” said Mike Cassidy, CEO of Xfire. “Working with SOE on one of their highly anticipated PLAYSTATION 3 launch titles is a very exciting beginning for Xfire’s new console game product.”

Untold Legends Dark Kingdom will set the standard for next-gen action-RPGs by delivering an immersive, fantasy experience through its high-definition graphics, dramatic storyline, and action-packed battles filled with heart-pounding combat, magical spells and brilliant visual effects. In addition, Dark Kingdom will deliver in-depth character progression, online multiplayer gameplay and online game services through PlayStation 3 online network. Players can choose one of three unique characters to guide on a perilous journey of impossible odds, as they immerse themselves in a fantastic world of beauty and terror, where only they can end the long standing oppression of a tyrannical king. Collect and equip powerful weapons, unique armor, and special items in order to slay the hordes of monsters that have overrun the once-peaceful kingdom of Dureth.

Xfire also announced that it has received a Playstation 3 Tools and Middleware Development and License Agreement from Sony Computer Entertainment. This will allow Xfire to create for Playstation 3 game developers an SDK that will enable certain Xfire features. For example, Xfire's more than 5 million registered PC gamers will be able to see whenever their friends are playing PLAYSTATION 3 games that incorporate the Xfire SDK.

Xfire is a free product that is supported by advertising. In addition to the many friend tracking and multiplayer communication services, Xfire is also one of the largest hosts of online gaming events on the Internet. Xfire and its advertisers sponsor online events where members can play with pro gamers, join in online chats with celebrities and participate in machinima contests involving their favorite games.