Amazon Releases Free Games For KindleAmazon Releases Free Games For Kindle

Amazon has released the first games for the Kindle, giving the e-reader its debut as a game platform.

Every Word and Shuffled Row, are available for free through Amazon's Kindle Store. The games can be downloaded using the Kindle's Wi-Fi or 3G wireless technology.

While descriptions of the games were not listed on Amazon, Mashable, an online guide to social media, reported that both are word scramble games. Amazon Digital Services built the games.

Amazon opened up the Kindle platform to third-party developers in January with the release of a software development kit. The retailer also launched a self-service publishing platform and offered developers who want to sell applications a revenue split of 30% to Amazon and 70% to the developer.

Third-party developers are likely to release Kindle games eventually, given the growing popularity of the e-reader. Amazon recently cut the price of the 3G Kindle to $189 and introduced a Wi-Fi-only model for $139. As a result, both devices are sold out and won't be available to ship until Sept. 4.

Most future Kindle games are likely to remain word or math puzzles, given the limitations of the e-reader, which is geared toward reading digital books, newspapers and magazines. The Kindle lacks the computing power and color display to play advanced games.

Nevertheless, Amazon is hoping imaginative developers can come up with applications that will attract more Kindle users. Companies that have promised games for the Kindle include Sonic Boom, which is building word games and puzzles, and video-game maker EA.