In Dec 2008, hi5 launched its first virtual currency, that allowed users to buy hi5 Coins to buy Gifts, and expanded it to real currency – going beyond credit/debit cards to include payment methods, such as mobile SMS, offers and alternate cards, like Ultimate Game cards. In order to make, virtual currency more universal across hi5 and non-hi5 applications, the company has now launched “hi5 OpenSocial Virtual Currency” interface — live with several third-party developers like RockYou (RockYou Pets), Playdom (Poker Palace) and Small Worlds, enabling them to collect direct user payments within their games.