Facebook Credits have been the exclusive virtual currency for all games on the popular social platform since July, but a new program is expanding that reach to outside game portals and web sites for the first time.
Gamehouse.com is the first outside site to offer Facebook Credits as a payment option for items in titles like Collapse Blast and Uno Boost as part of a newly announced testing program from the social network.
Users that log in to Gamehouse with a Facebook account will see the Credits payment option replacing the site's traditional Paypal and credit card payment options, according to an InsideSocialGames post.
While Facebook takes a 30 percent cut from all purchases made with Credits, outside sites that use the currency gain access to what Facebook calls a "more unified app experience," not to mention millions of potential purchasers with existing Credits accounts and balances.
Facebook says it's currently "focused on gathering early developer feedback" and considering whether or not to expand the test to other sites. Developers interested in taking part in the test can contact Facebook through this form.
This is huge. Facebook is building the de facto virtual currency online. Very exciting for developers who need a larger payer market and players who don't want to have to continually enter credit card information.
Or even better, how long until I can buy money from the US mint with the credits?