San Francisco based social network hi5 has recently announced the launch of hi5 Games, a vehicle for users to further interact with their social network contacts and meet new people.  With over 60 million unique visitors per month, hi5 is one of the world’s largest and fastest growing social networks.  hi5 Games will be presented in a fun and socially integrated gaming environment.

Setting itself apart from other social networks, hi5 focuses on deeply integrating social context within game content.  Their integrated messaging, challenge, and invite features also seek to make it a more compelling gaming experience with existing friends and easier to find new friends.

Staying true to their commitment of delivering fun and interactive ‘social entertainment’, hi5 Games represents a new and important monetization opportunity using hi5 coins.  hi5 Coins is the systems’ proprietary virtual currency, and will allow users to purchase premium content, advanced gaming features, and status upgrades via direct transactions.  In addition to these microtransactions, hi5 will also offer advertisers new and immersive options within hi5 Games, thereby allowing brands to better engage their ideal target audience.

“For our target audience of 15 to 24 year-olds, social gaming represents a major expenditure of time and money around the globe. hi5 Games is just one of a range of immersive features that will further engage our users, both keeping them on the site longer and driving them towards new forms of monetization for our business,” said Ramu Yalamanchi, founder and CEO of hi5.

hi5 Games kicks things off by offering players a variety of casual games in sports, arcade, strategy and card genres.  The site will be adding additional games on a monthly basis.  hi5 Games launch highlights include Disco Bowling, Pool, and Mahjong.

Any hi5 Games players out there?  We’d love to hear your feedback: Leave a comment below…

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