Comments on: Killer Platforms, Killer Apps

By: Bing Gordon

Bing Gordon — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:34:46 +0000

Thanks for remembering Bard’s Tale, Victor. imho, it was the first computer role-playing game where the final levels were as well-designed as the opening levels (at least until Bard’s Tale 3).

I think you and bloggers are being too critical of Apple’s app store approval processes, frankly. It is still early, and they have been swamped.

There are potential benefits of totally open platforms, but we have seen the open gaming platform of Windows dramatically lose share over the past decade, while the closed systems from Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony have flourished.

App Store is still a closed system, admittedly. But as far back as I can remember, it is the first “walled garden” platform where the first party hasn’t directly competed with developers, or charged egregious license or distribution fees. In 2008, the App Store is still a mobile direct-to-consumer miracle.

By: Victor Agreda, Jr.

Victor Agreda, Jr. — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:28:39 +0000

Bing, I gotta say, you’re a titan in the games biz. I still remember Bard’s Tale and we recently rented Boom Blox, so you’ve pretty much seen it all!

I’m wondering what you think about the recent developments around the App Store approval process? In the past two days everyone from Jason Snell to Ryan Block and a dozen relatively-unknown-but-smart bloggers and journalists and devs have commented on what appears to be a real conundrum brewing in Cupertino.

Apple’s lack of transparency is legendary, but the arbitrary and opaque processes behind the App Store (and worse, the NDA inhibiting best practices among devs) could provide a big opportunity for rivals. Do you think Android or the next OS’es from BlackBerry, Microsoft or anyone else stand a chance of usurping Apple’s sudden success?

By: Is that a platform in your pocket? : Brian S Hall Marketing

Is that a platform in your pocket? : Brian S Hall Marketing — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 23:19:52 +0000

[...] Post from iFundVC on what is needed to create a successful gaming platform. Critical mass or die. 20 Million units sold has been the minimum US audience for a meaningful game machine. Pretty good start with the 3G! Category: Business Plan, R&DTags: Funding > iPhone [...]

By: Paul Le Comte

Paul Le Comte — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:56:07 +0000

It was all summed up for me when I used my iPhone to play a game I haven’t played since I was a kid - labyrinth. The first game I put on my iPhone and the best introduction to the accelerometer I could imagine.

It’s been said that the quality of game graphics reminds people of the early days of Sega etc, that’s cool, don’t underestimate the nostalgia aspect considering who is buying the iPhone in places like here in NZ (predominately over 30 middle class folk).

Still, if this is 3G iPhone, imagine 4G+ and the developers skills by then. Almost too exciting for words.

Looking forward to more post, cheers guys.