wraggster
December 15th, 2010, 23:08
Apple says its Game Center is more than just a social gaming network for iOS users - it's an increasingly powerful game discovery tool.
The service offers connected features including leaderboards and achievements. However, with tens of thousands of games available on the App Store, Game Center is emerging as a way for people to discover the good ones.
"Game Center is on everybody's device, and so many games are integrating it now. It's a great way for people to see what their friends are playing, and discover new games that way," says Apple's VP of product marketing Greg Joswiak.
He was talking to ME at a London briefing this week, showcasing the latest crop of iOS games.
In September, Apple CEO Steve Jobs said that more than 1.5 billion games and entertainment apps had been downloaded from the App Store, showing how games have become an important focus for the company.
Games showed off this week included LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4, Jenga, Cut The Rope, Star Wars Arcade: Falcon Gunner and Rage HD, along with upcoming title Gears.
The selection reinforced the point that Apple is keen to highlight games that make use of key iOS hardware features, including the gyroscope, camera and A4 processor.
Joswiak also said value remains important to iOS users. Rage HD currently costs £1.19 on the App Store, compared to the £25-£30 RRP for PSP and DS titles.
However, this week has also shown that iOS gamers aren't just looking for cheap deals: $5.99 title Infinity Blade grossed more than $1.6 million on the store in a matter of days.
http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/39871/Apple-sees-Game-Center-as-iPhone-app-discovery-tool
The service offers connected features including leaderboards and achievements. However, with tens of thousands of games available on the App Store, Game Center is emerging as a way for people to discover the good ones.
"Game Center is on everybody's device, and so many games are integrating it now. It's a great way for people to see what their friends are playing, and discover new games that way," says Apple's VP of product marketing Greg Joswiak.
He was talking to ME at a London briefing this week, showcasing the latest crop of iOS games.
In September, Apple CEO Steve Jobs said that more than 1.5 billion games and entertainment apps had been downloaded from the App Store, showing how games have become an important focus for the company.
Games showed off this week included LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4, Jenga, Cut The Rope, Star Wars Arcade: Falcon Gunner and Rage HD, along with upcoming title Gears.
The selection reinforced the point that Apple is keen to highlight games that make use of key iOS hardware features, including the gyroscope, camera and A4 processor.
Joswiak also said value remains important to iOS users. Rage HD currently costs £1.19 on the App Store, compared to the £25-£30 RRP for PSP and DS titles.
However, this week has also shown that iOS gamers aren't just looking for cheap deals: $5.99 title Infinity Blade grossed more than $1.6 million on the store in a matter of days.
http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/39871/Apple-sees-Game-Center-as-iPhone-app-discovery-tool