Apple, EA to Develop Games For The iPhone?

According to buzz in the market, Apple may soon begin work on adding games to the iPhone, with backing from game developers, Electronic Arts (EA) and Namco.

Apple is reportedly looking to develop a section of casual games exclusively for the iPhone, ranging from the classic Tetris and Pac-Man, to updates of old staples like the Vortex, and diversions with Sudoku and Texas Hold'em. Most of the titles are expected to have lush graphics and multiple game-play options, designed to work intuitively with the iPod's scroll wheel. Also, users may be able to download games from Apple's iTunes store for an estimated $4.99 each. Also, there is speculation that Apple could also release games for Apple TV, a wireless device that will transmit video downloaded from iTunes onto a TV.

Stan Ng, senior director of iPod Product Marketing told , "Since the iPod goes with you in your pocket wherever you are, we saw a great opportunity to provide some fun casual entertainment. We picked games people can pick up and play while they're waiting in line at the grocery store or sitting on the bus."

According to the BusinessWeek report, Apple has tapped EA Mobile for five iPod titles. EA expanded its mobile gaming business through last year's purchase of independent mobile publisher JAMDAT Mobile. Representatives of JAMDAT have also gone on record stating that since the iPhone has a large RAM and remarkably good graphics, it will prove to be a success in the mobile gaming arena. Also, access to iTunes' commercial distribution platform is seen as a big advantage.

However, this statement has raised a number of queries from industry analysts. While some speculate on why a big company like Apple would develop something that's so niche, some are of the opinion that Apples mobile gaming venture is going to be a flop, because the touch screen interface of the iPhone will pose a lot of challenges.

However, according to statistics from researcher IDC, the casual gamer is an attractive market. Last year, the U.S. mobile gaming market was worth $722 million, a 44% increase from 2005, . The market is expected to grow to $952 million this year and to $1.3 billion in 2010.