Social Gaming Network is launching new versions of its Wii-like iPhone sports games that let users play against others who’ve installed the apps.
In August I was disappointed that so few iPhone applications leveraged the network effect to spread virally. I used the chess apps as an example – there were lots of them, but none at the time that let you play against other people.
The chess problem has since been solved. But I am still amazed at how few applications let iPhone users interact with each other (other than the nascent mobile social networks, which continue to gain users quickly).
But SGN, which launched a bunch of sports-themed games that turn the iPhone into a Wii-like controller (and are experimenting with the iPhone as a PC game controller, too), is starting to experiment with multi-user games where players can compete against others who have the application installed.
First up is iBasketball (iTunes link). The app launched in November, but an update this morning lets players compete with others. So far it isn’t that great – you shoot free throws for a period of time while someone else does the same, but you don’t see them. At the end the scores are compared. (In the next update, SGN says you’ll be able to watch your foe take his/her shots real time, too).
But they have something much grander planned for the next version of iBowl, which originally launched in October. The new iBowl Live will let you play against three other players, and watch their swings (or whatever its called when you roll a bowling ball).
Any Xbox user knows how quickly games get stale. Going online and playing against others on Xbox Live is what keeps people playing the same titles for months or years. I think many iPhone apps, especially games, will follow a similar path. SGN seems to be taking the lead in innovating in this space.
This is how games are supposed to be played. Kudos to SGN for going at it the right way.
Neat concept … I wonder what all of the devilish networking details are (latency, physical range of bluetooth, etc.)
You must really love to work, Mike. You pump out o many articles even on christmas eve, much respect.
sgn are pretty smart while most game developers are just trying to make one viral hit and quit. they instead are trying to go viral via the network effect .
yes, much respect for MA puttin’ in the OverTime on eve of xmas. your passion for blogging can never be disputed. i personally think its more of a case of “no rest for the wicked.”
this iphone gamer controller stuff is neat, but to me appears faddy like 99% of the 10,000 iphone apps out there.
all the vc money being invested to create a killer iphone app that will never come.
there it only so much innovation to go around on the internet and mobile. 99% has been taken.
SocialLocator – holding hands
darkfall gold
appears most of the 10,000 ipone apps are fads.
Yes. Chess with Friends was the first iPhone App with network effects. I am hoping to see many more apps modelled around the network cloud effect. See you online.
Mike,
Glad you are focusing on social play.
Aurora Feint: The Arena (ipgn’s 2008 Game of the year for the iPhone, and GamaSutra’s top 4 game across all handhelds) has real-time head to head competitive play today, where you can experience your opponent’s gameplay on your iphone as you compete. Its gotten 4.5 stars..
Happy Holidays!!
Its an indy title developed by only two 23 year olds who have built a brand for themselves on the iphone and the gaming community
Peter
awesome to see more apps emulating what Smule has done, in leveraging the inherent iPhone network; would be cool to see more strategy/rpg game apps go this route
SGN is doing the right thing. The iPhone has powerful features that allow interaction among users and this should be considered by app creators.
mars
http://www.iphone-codes.com
Hi
Chess with Friends was the first iPhone App with network effects. I am hoping to see many more apps modelled around the network cloud effect. See you online.
About time they started bringing out good applications. Wi-fi is just not about internet access, its about networking and connectivity between different devices. Lets hope more software developers start doing the same.
Social networking is surely gonna be next hit in world of internet. Facebook gaming applications are recent examples. With SGN allowing people to play games on their mobile, that too within their social networking, I would say that this is clearly the big move. Kudos SGN, Gamerzz, get ready for action packed mobile gaming experience.
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No question the iphone is perfect for social gaming.
The next step is going to be brining voice into the games. It becomes the killer social feature.
Working with a company http://www.green-ear.com that has figured out how to build advance voice features into the game. Keep an eye out for some social iphone games coming out in Q1 that embed voice into the games when on the wifi network. Perfect application for VOIP.
Check out Shake & Spell created by Social Deck (www.socialdeck.com)… their integration with facebook is pretty cool. You can effectively challenge any of your friends who have an iphone to a game.
Chess with Friends was the first iPhone App with network effects. I am hoping to see many more apps modelled around the network cloud effect. See you online
About time they started bringing out good applications. Wi-fi is just not about internet access, its about networking and connectivity between different devices. Lets hope more software developers start doing the same.
fuck u dickhead, if i ever read one more fucked up “thanks for the information” comment of yours… please just fuck off