BEIJING - The9 Limited, a Nasdaq-listed online game operator and developer in China, has begun to focus on business opportunities in mobile Internet, by introducing and localizing OpenFeint, the world's largest mobile social gaming platform for iPhone and Android phone users.

The company officially launched the Chinese version of OpenFeint on Tuesday, which will continue to be open-source and free to developers and players, according to Chris Shen, general manager of the mobile business unit of Shanghai-based The9.

OpenFeint allows game publishers to introduce services which enable mobile social gaming, and provide smartphone users with a space to share gaming experiences.