Abstract: Client and server components enable simplified development of games or other software applications and deployment on mobile devices of varying types without re-writing. The client runs on the mobile device and includes an engine or game engine interacting with the mobile device through a code layer specific to the particular mobile device, where the parameters of the game or other application itself are determined by a game file or data file, and the client also includes a management system for downloading games or other applications. The server runs on a general purpose computer and includes both a download and distribution server interacting with the client, and a game or application editor that can be accessed via a web browser. The editor creates and edits data files, including selecting types of games or other applications, designing sprites and tiles, and also selecting rules and parameters for a game or other application.