Catching the iPhone Wave
by Paolo on May.18, 2009, under Meanderings, News
THE iPhone
One of the gaming platforms I have been considering (with numerous proddings from indie game developer Jeremy Alessi) has been to start working on iPhone games.
Currently, I have steeled myself into trying my hand once again on another Flash game and to build a series of free Flash games first. All things considered, Flash game programming is low-risk with low-barriers to entry. It also is functioning as a crucible to refine my meager game development skills. So it will be a little while before I get started on developing for the iPhone.
I have to admit, I personally want to get an iPhone, but I am on Verizon Wireless. So I did a little research to find out when the AT&T exclusivity will be lifted for the iPhone.
This made me wonder how many people out there are like me who won’t switch to iPhone solely on the basis that they want to keep on their current phone plans. Too many of my friends are also on Verizon, and it will not be a cheap transition to justify getting an iPhone.
But once the exclusivity is over, there will be yet another surge of iPhone purchases again. I will probably be one of them. But what does that mean for iPhone game developers?
It’ll be the second wave.
So I’d better hurry. Game #2 underway!
May 19th, 2009 on 1:52 pm
You don’t have to have an iPhone to do iPhone development. There is a simulator, and you can also use an iPod Touch. Wanting to finish some Flash games first is a good reason to delay iPhone work. Not having an iPhone isn’t.
May 19th, 2009 on 4:48 pm
Hi Brian,
I realize that I could do development for the iPod Touch, however the problem is money and timing. I personally know and correspond with an indie iPhone game developer who wrote an excellent article on what it takes to get started on iPhone developer, Jeremy Alessi.
I’m working hard on getting my feet wet with generic game development with Flash. And because of the low barrier to entry, Flash is an excellent “proving ground” for my game programming and design skills. And since Flash is on the Internet, you get great feedback and an excellent opportunity to build a community and meet people such as yourself.
By the way, I love your blog. As a Christian, I am also concerned about how to create both entertaining games, but being able to present the elements of the faith as well. It is something I think that is nigh impossible to do (if not for the grace of God). But rather than worry myself about that while I am still a fledgling, I’m still trying my best to understand the craft of Game Programming and Design.