(Photo courtesy Quickly Bored)
Since the day the iPhone and iPod Touch first hit the scene, we knew that we were in for something special. When the App Store launched, we were seeing not only the rise of a cottage industry, but the real potential of a new platform. Cell phone gaming has always been a lackluster experience. Games were micro-sized, there was little processing power, and most were simple time wasters. The limitations of the handsets and the strict control of the distributions decks were the biggest issues facing developers. Now that both have been removed by the iPhone, the DS and PSP can’t possibly stand a chance. Right?
Well, not quite.
At the end of 2008, I predicted the rise of iPhone games that would rival that of major gaming specific devices. Well, we’re wrapping up Q1 of 2009 and the question is, where are the must have titles? We’ve seen some pretty fun and impressive games come through the pipeline, but have yet to find one that we wake up excited to play day after day. Sure, its a small device, good for on-the-go gaming, but is that enough? If Apple is serious about competing with Nintendo and Sony, it lies in the developer’s hands.
The solution? Stop treating the iPhone like a phone.
The flood of these $.99 apps needs to slow down. Its fun to show to someone new to the iPhone or to kill some time in line, but if something doesn’t change, the iPhone will never be taken seriously. It has the processing power, it has the distribution method, and it has the low barriers to entry. Time to buckle down and start approaching iPhone game development the same way a studio would on the DS or PSP. The first step to doing this is to increase the price points, which in affect increase development budgets.
We, as app consumers, are setting the bar for the future of the store. If you skim iTunes, you’ll see countless reviews upset that certain games are set at “outrageous” prices - like $7.99. In the retail gaming world, games cost $20-60. We can only blame ourselves for this precedent. While some developers are making out pretty well, even with low priced titles, this trend will not last as the gold rush dries up. If we want to start seeing AAA quality games for this platform, we need to start treating it like an equal.
Major games publishers have already made this known. Apple has hinted at producing a “Premium Games” section on the App Store, which would allow only major publishers to have placement in. These games would sell around the $20 price point and really pack in a true gaming experience. This is one solution to the problem. The other is for us, as users, to realize that we get what we pay for. If we want quality, we need to fork over the dollars for it.
What do you think? Are you happy with the current gaming offerings? Comment below..
I think Apple should not try to smash the creativity of indy and novice developers. The wide variety is what makes this platform special. Having a premium section for games over $20 made by “major” publishers… fine whatever. If that makes everbody stop whining, I’m game. However, I have a PSP an XBOX 360, a Playstation2, an iPhone touch and a Wii. I think Apple already is a contender. It takes time to develop great games. I think it’s just a matter of time before they come to market. People in basements is where the computer and gaming industires started. Allowing these “cheap” games to continue to spur on development and innovate puts pressure on the big gaming houses to bring it. Leave the barrier to entry low. Encourage novice designers and programmers.
This is spot on. As an iPhone developer, it is getting more and more discouraging to see the low prices and the price sensitivity of users. We need to raise the bar, and also deliver higher quality ourselves…
I understand your argument and agree to some point. But….why would you want to pay for a 50 dollar video game when I could spend that for my xbox 360 or ps3 game. the iphone games have their own little niche and expectancy. Besides, I wouldn’t want to play a video game on the iphone for hours…it’s just not as comfortable as sitting down on my couch playing wiht a real game console like the xbox. Or even the PSP or DS is still more bearable to play for a long period. The iPhone games are made to be this way and to give us a quick few mins of thrill. With that said and done, I still love this phone!!!! it’s the best….
i think they should make a premium games section. Cause finding a decent games in the appstore is hard with all the .99 puzzle games! And after playing brothers in arms and hero of sparta i know they could have much better games on the iphone.
I think they’re a contender. The wide range of games from the beginner ones to the major publisher ones is what makes it interesting and it puts it out there for all the programers to show what they’ve got and make a little money while doing it. Free market always brings out the best.