Open-source list of browser based games

[Daedeloth]

Hi there,

I have been working on a system to make an up-to-date browser based games list.
With minimal support from developers, we are able to keep our list up to date.

The list will be available soon in HTML, XML and JSON. Everyone will be able to keep his site up to date.

The base system is ready, so I'm trying to convince game developers to implement our features.

Read all about it at:
http://www.browser-games-hub.org/

(Given the open nature of this system, I do not consider this advertisement)

Please tell me what you think

[Dasein Fiasco]

Looks very nice! You have probably already taken this into consideration, but I figured I'd chime in and caution you to be very careful about how you use JSON. I didn't catch what platform you're using, but a lot of JSON libraries overlook the security dangers, so if you haven't already, search around for documentation on the well-publicized issues with eval and xsrf attacks. Good luck!

[Daedeloth]

Hi there,

No worries, the system only allows JSON output.
All input will be done in XML, to make it more standard.

Thanks! Let's hope this works out

[Dasein Fiasco]

Well, your confidence is worrisome. it's actually the output you should be concerned with - the JSON hacks all revolve around stealing data (such as, in the best publicized case, gmail contacts).

[Daedeloth]

I'll do some more reading, but I can't see how people can steal data if everything I offer is open anyway
User privacy should be the game developers concern. Everything he gives to Browser Games Hub should be considered "not private"

The only thing that might be privacy related is the nicknames of the players.
I don't even store any other information

[Chris]

What is this complexity for? If you want a list of games, just allow anyone to post a link (NEVER rely on developers, they are lazy ). Then check if register.php or register.asp or signup.php, etc exists. If yes, then the game is online. Such a list can reach reasonable size only if you allow both players and owners to add new games.

You could also make a robot to scan toplists once in a while (a lot of active games and no effort required).

[Daedeloth]

Hey,

Such a list is off course easier to maintain, but offers limit possibilities.
Data like the amount of players, the status of the game, the different servers, ranking of the players, direct linking to OpenID authentication etc. are impossible to keep up to date in a regular list.

And I know developers are lazy people, but it's really not that big of a deal to upload an XML.
The advanced features are not required.

The coolest features of this list is, to me, the "instant play" feature of OpenID, allowing players to start playing the game straight away, without registering.

So, yes, it requires some effort. But the return is rather big.

[jannesiera]

I think it's wicked! I hope that the website also will get the wicked layout it deserves, because the eye wants something to (especialy if a game owner wants to attract more players).