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2010 Predictions: Pocket Gamer on iPhone games next year

We continue our series of 2010 predictions. Here's what Tracy Erickson of Pocket Gamer predicts for iPhone gaming next year.

The rise of network gaming
Multiplayer has been a tough get for mobile games and iPhone has broken that barrier by focusing on wi-fi. That's starting to change, however, as more and more developers are focusing on network play. The promise of anytime, anywhere gameplay can only be done with 3G multiplayer and an increasing number of games will start offering it. The popularity of social gaming networks like OpenFeint, Plus+, and others clearly show interest in connected gaming. On the local side of multiplayer, watch for increasing adoption of Bluetooth as the standard and a gradual decline in the number of games opting to support local wi-fi multiplayer.

Growing interest in in-app purchases
Apple has been trumpeting how cool in-app purchases are, though early data shows that it has yet to catch on. That doesn't mean 2010 won't bring new life to in-app purchases. Big publishers promoting downloadable content from within games will see a renewed push for in-app purchasing. While it won't be the epic new way of buying games that some hope, it will begin to take hold as a viable way for delivering additional, meaningful game content. Look to the expansion pack model used in PC gaming as an example of what will work on the App Store.

Better, feature-packed games as a result of competition
There are so many developers creating games for iPhone and iPod Touch that the stakes are a lot higher than on other gaming platforms. That means succeeding is a matter of bringing the best possible games to the App Store and that's great news for gamers. Games have to start packing in features like achievements and online gameplay, as well as strive to high standards of quality in order to sell. It's not enough to put a puzzle game out there anymore--we expect certain features of iPhone games now. Even in established franchises, the installments will get even better because of competition from other developers. Madden felt the heat of competition for the first time in years on iPhone and the results were great. Look for developers and publishers to really up the ante with their games in 2010.

Special thank you to Tracy for taking the time to share his predictions.

Read what Andrew Podolsky of Slide to Play and Matt Dunn of TouchGen envision for 2010 and be sure to come back to find out what Jeff Scott of 148Apps foresees.

What do you think will happen in 2010? Send us your thoughts. We'll compile the most interesting predictions into a final post.

Note: The opinions expressed by the interviewee in the entry above may not represent the opinions of Glu, its Board of Directors or officers.

Categories: Industry, iPhone