Prominent gaming machine and systems innovator, International Game Technology (IGT), has announced the signing of a cross-license patent deal with Seattle-based online social games publisher and developer, FlowPlay Incorporated.

London-headquartered, IGT, used an official press release to reveal that the agreement will allow FlowPlay Incorporated to develop community-based online games utilizing patented features from its own portfolio in return for the payment of an ongoing licensing fee.

“We are excited to expand our game feature patent licensing efforts to online social casino game development with FlowPlay Incorporated,” read a Wednesday statement from Renato Ascoli, North America Chief Executive Officer for the London-based brand.

Ascoli explained that FlowPlay Incorporated’s games portfolio already includes in excess of 45 casino-style titles and that the new deal is set to help ensure that ‘even more of the authenticity and excitement of land-based casino gaming’ is extended to social online aficionados around the globe.

Echoing this excitement, Derrick Morton (pictured), Chief Executive Officer for FlowPlay Incorporated, declared that the agreement will help to build on the ‘legacy of success’ accrued by his firm’s portfolio of freeplay social and massively multi-player online games such as its flagship ourWorld and Vegas World titles.

“Partnering with industry leader International Game Technology provides us with a phenomenal selection of patents that we can leverage to expand our scope of development and suite of online social games to ultimately reach new audiences,” read a statement from Morton.