iPod OS3.0 raises the game

UK software developers reckon the new update for iPod touch and iPhone will help games be taken more seriously, not just all that "cute, boring stuff".

The new iPhone 3G launches today, the fastest and most powerful yet. But everyone who owns the last generation handset - iPhone or iPod touch - can take advantage of new iPhone applications (apps) after downloading a free 3.0 Software Update.

One of the new apps possible after 3.0 is peer to peer networking, and this has got lots of people talking within the games industry. It basically means that multiplayer games can be played via Bluetooth, similar to how you would via Wi-Fi on Nintendo DS or Sony PlayStation Portable. Racing, fighting, shooting, the whole shebang can now be enjoyed with your pals across iPod touch / iPhone in the same room.

On top of that 3.0 supports subscription sales alongside new content-downloads for games. This combination holds huge potential for online gaming, in particular Massively Multiplayer Online community titles such as World of Warcraft and EverQuest.

Shay Casey, CEO of H.Grenade (Circuit_Strike One) is already thinking ahead, and comments that: "The new OS3.0 from Apple is an amazing opportunity to open up the iPhone as a more viral and social gaming platform. The next biggest impact I think will be downloadable content. Will we see a ton of $.99-to-play MMOGs with a long term commerce system or are the iPhone gamers more of the purchase-play-move-on category."

Casey is, however, concerned that the App Store "is like the dime store of software", in other words offering quantity not quality. Casey believes that there is a now a "massive market" for more in-depth gaming on iPod touch / iPhone, and that this will lead to more widespread coverage of "gamer's games" in the gaming specialist media. Indeed, we're already seeing this happen in the wake of titles such as H.Grenade's 'Circuit_Strike One' and Konami's 'Metal Gear Solid Touch'.

Casey isn't the only 3.0 believer to be make his voice heard. Chris Byatte, Director of iPhone games publisher Chillingo (Boulder Dash, Return to Mysterious Island), says "I can honestly see iPhone gaining ground at a much more accelerate pace on the established handheld gaming formats: not necessarily eating into their market, but co-existing and offering feature-benefits only possible on an iPhone or iPod Touch. This is a significant milestone for consumers and developers."

But what do you think? Most people we know with an iPhone or iPod touch are quite happily playing with their light sabres, singing robots or making fart noises using inexpensive or even free to download apps downloaded on a whim.

Would the arrival of ‘proper' games spoil the party, or are you now praying for an iPhone MMO and something along the lines of Gran Turismo, Street Fighter and Call of Duty?