iPhone Getting (Real) Games
Wouldn’t it be great if the iPhone browser had Flash support? That way you’d be able to play tons of simple 2D games from essentially anywhere in the world. Or better yet, what if it could play full 3D games that we see on consoles. Impossible, right? Well, apparently it’s not. Apple recently held a presentation on a new SDK (System Development Kit) for developers to use to create applications on the iPhone. As the presentation shows, the iPhone is capable of far more than it would seem at first glance. For example, although it hasn’t been fully exploited yet, the iPhone is capable of full, real-time, 3D rendering using a toned down version of OpenGL. That’s not all, it is also capable of using OpenAL to produce 3D audio. Another feature that the iPhone is known for, other than it’s multi-touch technology, is the accelerometer that the iPhone uses to switch between portrait to landscape modes. During the presentation, it was revealed that the iPhone’s accelerometer is actually capable of detecting three axis’ of movement. To put it in perspective, that means that the iPhone actually has the same amount of motion controls that the Wii’s Nunchuck attachment has. More after the jump.
To demonstrate what could be made using the development tools, Apple gave the SDK to several developers who had no prior knowledge or experience with to kit, and asked them to design something in two weeks. Out of all the applications that were made, there are two that are particularly intriguing. First, EA demonstrated a toned down version of what’s been unofficially hailed by fans as game of the year, for about three years in a row: Spore. The only stage shown was the Cellular stage, and it appears that Spore for the iPhone is simply an enhanced version of the mobile game.
What was more impressive, however, was what Sega had to show. In the alloted two weeks, the Sega created several stages for Super Monkey Ball. The game ran smoothly, in full 3D, with no noticeable drop in the framerate. What’s even more impressive was the visual quality, the game doesn’t look significantly toned down, which, considering the two week time frame, is quite impressive.
The iPhone owners will be able to purchase these applications right to their phone using the “Apps Store” which is basically the iTunes store, but for applications, after a software update coming in late June. The developers will be able to decide what price they would like to charge, even free, if they want to. All of these features will apply to the iPod Touch as well, although from my understanding iPod Touch owners have to purchase the update as well, where as iPhone owners get it for free.
Tell us what kinds of games you’d like to see for the iPhone, and what price point you’d like, in the comments area below.