SAN FRANCISCO--- Research In Motion (RIM) on Monday announced it is making Blackberry devices friendlier to game applications, as the business-oriented smartphones try to show a more playful side.

The Canada-based mobile phone maker is enhancing Blackberry software to make it simpler for outside developers to craft 3D games and other fun programs for the devices.

"We are making it easier than ever for developers, hobbyists and content providers to build graphic-rich experiences for BlackBerry smartphones," said RIM platform senior vice president Alan Brenner.

"These new features will help drive a multitude of engaging themes, games and applications for BlackBerry smartphone users."

The move comes as RIM faces competition from Apple iPhones and growing ranks of smartphones based on Google-backed Android software.

IPhones have become a hot platform for mobile videogames and Android software frees third-party developers to make programs for devices.