Are there any free/affordable systems/libraries out there for adding online features to a small PC game? (most likely, for a small primarily-Windows-based indie game)
I'm not concerned about matchmaking or online multiplayer - but I'm interested in leaderboards, and maybe slightly more advanced features, such as the upload/download of user-created-content (e.g. replays or player-created levels). Maybe even automatic updates or downloadable content?
Whilst it probably shouldn't be too hard to implement at least the very basics from scratch, it seems like a big wheel to reinvent, and a tried-and-tested system would be preferable, to reduce development time, and reduce the chance of gaping security holes. Is there anything in reach of low/no-budget indie developers?
Answer
Two options right now (besides roll-your-own)
OpenFeint is in alpha/beta for WP7 (so Silverlight/XNA would be available too). However the signup hasn't progressed beyond an email saying it's coming soon.
OpenXLive is an open version of the XBL leaderboard system. It looks like it's XNA but there are tutorials for Silverlight as well so you can use both.
Both systems have leaderboards, achievements, etc. but at the time of this answer only OpenXLive is actually usable.
OpenXLive: http://www.openxlive.com/
OpenFeint: http://www.openfeint.com/
Hope that helps.
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