Apple to push iPhone, iPod as gaming platform
updated 01:10 pm EST, Fri February 15, 2008
Apple push into gaming
Apple may be making a large push into the game industry, after several patents revolving around gaming were filed recently. According to European developers magazine Develop, the patents indicate that something big could be happening, considering Apple's history with gaming, from the unsuccessful Pippin Atmark to the iPod games that began in 2006. The patents mention toys, games, handheld devices, and LCD game machines, among others.
A senior development source close to Develop says for users "hold [their] breath for an announcement of an 'iGame' console just yet." The source also says that Apple is most likely just preparing to release another slew of iPod games, possibly including the Touch and iPhone.
Initially offering titles from Electronic Arts, PopCap, as well as titles developed by an internal games team, Apple is now hosting titles from Sega, Hudson Soft, Gameloft, Harmonix, Namco, and NaNaOn-Sha.
In an interview with Develop's sister Magazine, MCV, Sega of America COO Simon Jeffery praised the iTunes/iPod game system, saying the banking and payment system is "flawless". He also notes that the iPods, using OpenGL ES, are "powerful enough" to be viewed as a viable gaming platform.
With the impending release of the iPod touch and iPhone software developers kit, it is anticipated that many third party game developers will be able to implement games on the device, taking advantage of the coveted touchscreen.
Good
02/15, 04:27pm reply
GOOD .. CAUSE THOSE WEB GAMES SUCK!
CHICKEN & EGGS ? Not even a 4 year old would be interested in such c***..
automorrow
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2000
Apple and games...
02/15, 04:39pm reply
...go together like pastrami and ice cream, or Rush Limbaugh and Al Gore, or Microsoft and innovation, or HD DVD and success...
Apple has shunned games since the Pippen, having never get the bad taste out of their mouths.
ClevelandAdv
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2004
@clevelandv
02/15, 04:49pm reply
The Apple of the time may have botched Pippin (if one can refer to something that should never have existed as botched)... but it's a whole new Apple now.
lockhartt
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2000
not impressed
02/16, 12:06am reply
So we are going to see a bunch of tired bejewled type games that take advantage of the touch screen? What was that about a sow's ear???
Nintendo and Sony have portable gaming wrapped up for the next gazillion years.
lamewing
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2004
yeah
02/16, 09:06am reply
and Napster and Kazaa have downloadable music and videos sown up for the next....oh.
MhzDoesMatter
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2002
Don't you mean...
02/16, 09:49am reply
A senior development source close to Develop says for users "hold [their] breath for an announcement of an 'iGame' console just yet."
Don't you mean NOT TO hold [their] breath... ?
Hope your readership isn't turning blue out there. That would be tragic.
Da Moof
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2006
Da Moof,
02/16, 10:02am reply
Why let basic grammar get in the way of another poorly written maCNN article? *At least it contains no "TO" for "TOO", no "COULD OF" for Could've" ;-)
chotty
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2003
Hey Apple
02/17, 01:22am reply
Before you focus on your cute little handhelds, consider making laptops that can actually run really simple games like Civ 4.
DoctorGonzo
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 1999
RE: hey apple...
02/17, 11:04pm reply
Ironic that you mentioned Civ 4,as I hoped my brand new MacBook 2.2 could play it. It does exceed the specs on the Civ 4 site though...I'll see for myself when I buy it tomorrow...
DCW
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2007