[Macworld]

Post your comments for Putting a premium on iPhone games here

[Rhywun]

That’s not to suggest that the iPhone, either in current or future incarnations, isn’t up to the task to compete with Nintendo and Sony.

The current incarnation certainly isn't. Unless they add some buttons and a D-pad--and that's not gonna happen. I not only think this rumor is bunk, but that the opposite will happen: the number of game releases will slowly shrink and will continue to consist largely of simple time-wasters, as everybody finally realizes that the iPhone/Touch does not make all that great a gaming device. At least not for games that are as sophisticated as what we see on hand-held devices that are dedicated to game-playing.

[Chris_MAG]

I agree with you in some areas Peter, the rumor doesn't seem very plausible. I do however believe that if implemented correctly, such a premium content set-up could actually work. You can read my sentiments on the matter here: App Store Plus: Premium Apps For Your iPhone

[Howiedeano]

I believe this rumour is almost certainly correct, though it may well be connected to the release of an updated, more powerful iPhone scheduled for release in the summer.
Whether you like it or not the iPhone is carving out a new model of what a portable gaming device should be. Seperating out a new breed of console quality releases from the huge collection of low budget mini games is an essential development for the progression of the device, Sony and Nintendo should be very concerned at this turn of events....

[sfmitch]

This is a VERY low risk option. So, Apple creates a subsection of games that are 'premium'. Doesn't really change anything. If it leads to increased sales of higher priced games then presumably everyone wins. If sales pattern doesn't change, the subsection can quietly go away.

[dreyfus]

I agree with Howiedeano - this is related to new hardware. There will be no iPhone Nano, rather the current model will be lowered in price and continued as the entry-level iPhone. The successor will have more GPU and CPU power and more RAM and storage, and these premium titles will likely be "next-gen" only. Implement a nice TV-Out feature and buyers with tight budgets will be able to have phone, media player and even a light gaming console in one device.

[montgomery_burns]

There will be no iPhone SDK. Apple should not allow third party native applications on the iPhone. Web apps are really, really SWEET.

[AAPL]

It also seems this could connect into the next revision of apple TV bringing games, with its own section of the App store built in and potential for iphone/itouch as controllers or input. With a large, rapidly growing development base and the success of the App store for iphone/touch they should be able to break into casual 'wii' gaming fairly quickly, especially if the development SDK is just an offshoot of the existing iphone SDK.
In any case i agree with earlier posts that this must be a part of a next gen product with more horsepower that would warrant longer development cycles for in depth visuals/play etc.

[alansky]

I basically agree with this article's analysis, but do think there's potential for using the iPhone as a game controller for games that would be displayed on a computer screen or big-screen tv. Something like this would definitely change the equation.

[Imagine_Engine]

I don't believe Apple will add another category in the games section for this. I do believe they will continue to try to get more major game studios on board to develop for the iPhone.

[Jarmo]

Will work if the publishers actually release worthy titles. Won't work if the publishers just see this as justification for charging $20 instead of $5 for some "casual" puzzler.
What the falling prices have shown, is how expensive mac shareware games actually are. Games in general too, but shareware is more to the tune in terms of production values. Aquaria might be a hit for $20, surely for $5. http://www.ambrosias.../games/aquaria/
X-plane for $4,99? If the same cut-down version was as easily purchaseable for Mac, I'd get it without a further thought. But I'm not really that much into just flying around, as to put down $40 for it.