Google into game development ?

It looks like Google intends to open Lively to games developers. Lively is a web-based virtual environment currently in its beta stage. Currently on the opening download page the users are invited to “Create an avatar and chat with” their “friends in rooms” they “design.” At GDC Austin, Kevin Hanna, creative director said that the company will release an API, allowing users to create simple 2D or 3D games. Hanna has revealed the long-term goal is for the service to become an online games platform.