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iPhone Games Get DLC, Microtransactions, More Multiplayer
by Leigh Alexander, Chris Remo

4 comments

March 17, 2009

iPhone Games Get DLC, Microtransactions, More Multiplayer

iPhone games will now support in-game downloadable content -- which means developers can implement and charge for it via microtransactions, not previously supported.

During an Apple-hosted preview event for the upcoming 3.0 version of the iPhone's operating system, it was also revealed that multiplayer opportunities for iPhone games will take another step forward thanks to peer-to-peer wireless play.

New push notification, which will allow iPhones to be notified with new data sent wirelessly, rather than having to manually check servers periodically, will be available to third-party developers and should provide new opportunities for real-time updates in socially-oriented games and multiplayer applications.

For example, ngmoco announced LiveFire, a multiplayer iPhone first-person shooter. The game takes advantage of multiple iPhone 3.0 features, supporting both in-game chat and on-the-fly weapons purchases.

Also set to incorporate downloadable content is Electronic Arts' The Sims 3, which will make various piece of furniture and clothing for 99 cents each. Thanks to another iPhone 3.0 update, The Sims 3 will feature the ability to play music stored on the iPhone, through in-game music players.

In addition to in-game content, iPhone users will be able to purchase DLC with their existing iTunes/App Store accounts.

[UPDATE: Alongside today's official Apple announcements, analyst firm Mobclix released a report claiming that Apple's App Store hosts 25,000 programs, including 6,000 games -- with a total software download count estimated at 800 million units to date.]

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Comments

Tom Newman

18 Mar 2009 at 6:56 am PST

What the new update does not provide is developer access to the iPod library. The Apple iPod interface on the iPhone is mediocre at best, and missing some key features - like an intuitive way to create an on-the-go playlist, or something like a "jukebox" mode, where you can select tracks to play in a specific order without interrupting what you are currently listening to. ...maybe next update.

Dushy Singh

22 May 2009 at 4:09 am PST

This is a pretty decent way for publishers and developers to "milk the cow". Although, it would probably make it harder for newcomers to iPhone appstore. Perhaps setting up JVs with top sellers / downloaded apps - free and paid, would be the quicker way to get exposure. We run a popular online learn iPhone Development Course, and the new modules have been added.

A Cranley

11 Aug 2009 at 5:05 pm PST

Version 1.1 fixes the bug that would not allow NanoMechs run on iDevices earlier than 3.0!

Version 1.2 is about ready to be submitted. It includes online leader boards (thanks to AGON) and it also includes a flakcannon style of weapon!

A Cranley

11 Aug 2009 at 5:07 pm PST

Sorry about that, Forgot to mention that NanoMechs is a multiplayer iPhone game that will have the above updates very soon.

http://www.linktoapp.com/NanoMechs