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Apple Sells 30m iPhones, iPod Touches
Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch are not only capable of playing games--they've got a genuinely massive installed base that's waiting for more mobile interactive entertainment.
Apple announced this morning that it has sold over 30 million iPhone and iPod Touch products, according to a report in Venture Beat.
Recently, mobile analytics group mobclix found that Apple's mobile App Store is home to over 6,000 games. There are 25K total software applications available, with 800 million total downloads.
Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch are equipped with touch screens and motion-sensing capabilities--as well as the connectivity features inherent in mobile devices--that make the products ideal for innovative gaming applications.
Apple launched the App Store in mid-2008, and the iPhone has since garnered attention from major game publishers such as EA, Konami, THQ, Sega and others. Perhaps even more exciting are the games being made by smaller companies and independent developers, some of whom have found commercial success on a limited budget.
With a robust distribution service, ongoing popularity and a unique interface, the question remains whether or not Apple can make a serious dent in a portable games market dominated by Nintendo's 100 million-strong DS and Sony's PSP, which has shipped 50 million worldwide.
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Copyright 2006 - 2009 Future Publishing Limited, Beauford Court 30 Monmouth Street Bath, UK BA1 2BW
England and Wales company registration number 2008885
You can't compare the Iphone or the Ipod Touch to game-dedicated portables like the DS or the PSP. First of all, they are not equipped with d-pads, multiple buttons and graphics-optimized processors (some ipod touches don't even have speakers), that are needed for input-extensive fighting games, sweeping adventures and RPGs, and quick-reflex shooters. Apple is aware of this limitations and that's why they're concentrating on games utliizing the touch screen and motion sensors. Most of these games are of the casual, pop-cap nature ideal for busy, working professionals who don't have time to sit down on 20-hour RPGs and adventures, preferring quick games that they can play discretely on the train, or while waiting for the bus or during lunch breaks. And with most of the prices ranging from $.99 to $2, complaining that most of the games are not worth buying is a bit nitpicky. I myself am able to download 2 or 3 free games a day, that's without paying a single cent. And I'm sure with the massive selection, you'll manage to find a gem or two every week.
6,000 titles is a lot, but how many of those are worth buying? Not a lot i'd imagine.
Not that it matters because i personally don't like Apple hardware and would always buy an alternative.
The growing coverage on mobile games over the last year or so has always perplexed me. I don't understand how they can be seen to even overlap into the same market as your typical games consoles. Since people looking to buy an I-phone will see the sophisticated games as an improvement over other mobile phone products when they are looking to buy a mobile phone in the first place. Not a games console. I don't think people buy mobile phones with a focus on the games at all.
The only games I really see on the iphone are novelty games. Nothing with any real substance or depth. Best one to me, being tap tap revenge. Outside of that, I really see the iphones game library as lacking. Not one game there is worth purchasing. Even Metal Gear Solid on the iphone pretty much boils down to iDuckHunt...