A $20 premium section for games on the iTunes App Store makes a whole lot of sense
Apple’s iTunes App Store has made the headlines quite a few times over the past few months as stories of developers striking it rich with cheap and fun applications became more and more commonplace. Most recently, it was reported that the developer of iFart (you can guess what the program does) made over $40,000 in 2 days over the Christmas holiday season.
While some developers are striking it rich, others are complaining that the tendency for apps to engage in price wars is forcing the average selling price for applications down to bargain basement levels. Some developers have even resorted to distributing their applications for free in order to gain visibility. While consumers clearly benefit from cheaper prices, if developer’s aren’t happy, then the influx of quality applications will inevetably start to dwindle.
That said, an interesting rumor is floating around today suggesting that Apple is planning on opening up a “Premium” section for games on the iTunes App Store. Titles in this supposed ‘premium’ section will be priced over $19.99, and according to reports, will only be available to major game publishers.
But what could Apple possibly gain from raising prices?
Apple has consistently stated that it views the iPhone as a software platform, and with that in mind, we can expect Apple to do all it can to ensure that the best mobile software written is available for the iPhone. Writing advanced and sophisticated software takes a lot of time and a lot of resources, and given the overwhelming popularity of 99 cent apps, it makes sense that major publishers would be apprehensive about devoting resources towards substantive iPhone software development when programs like iFart continue to rule the charts.
While Apple surely has nothing against cheap applications, it understandably also wants to provide the iPhone and iPod Touch with more in-depth titles that users wont tire of in a week. But how can Apple convince software developers to make the necessary investment neeeded for sophisticated game development? Why, give those publishers who take the time to create world class games more visibility in the App Store of course! And while you’re at it, give them their own section in the app store!
Creating a premium section for games on the iTunes App Store is a great way for Apple to convince developers that their software titles will get prominently displayed on iTunes, and that it will get perused by application hungry iPhone and iPod Touch users. The iPhone and iPod Touch have already proven to be popular gaming platforms, but in order to truly give the PSP and Nintendo DS a run for their money, Apple has to ensure that its titles have the same level of sophistication and depth as the ones currently sold for the aformentioned platforms.
A platform is only as good as the software it can run, and Apple needs to do all it can to ensure that the best mobile software available runs on the iPhone and iPod Touch. While 20 bucks admittedly seems like a lot to pay for an iPhone game, Apple is clearly taking a step in the right direction by doing all it can to help out developers who have the ability to produce top level software, but who up to this point, have been apprehensive about taking a risk with the iTunes App Store.
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