iTunes apps going to zero? Not likely.

In terms of free market, there are arguments that pricing will eventually go to zero. As more competitors enter the market, each can only charge so much for the same commodity. This was said of the iTunes app store.

I don't hold this to be true, and the app store is definitely not trending in that direction, especially not for games.

Current there are six games in the top 10 paid apps. The lowest price game is $1.99 and the highest priced game is $5.99. The median price between the six apps is $3.99.

In December, there has been a heavy influx of higher priced apps with market players like Gameloft and EA releasing numerous $9.99 applications. These apps have climbed the charts and held their ground against competitors that have price cut their applications as much as 80% in order to maintain chart position.

The most relevant data, and most telling is the information that is not available yet. Since these chart positions are before the holidays, there is a high chance of influx of new customers and spending money as iPhones, iTouches and iTunes gift cards are given as gifts.

All in all, in just five months since the app store officially launched, the marketplace is settling. In terms of games, I'm excited to see that $0.99 applications are not defining the market. The next step is to see if game companies are willing to break the $9.99 ceiling with applications that have potential to rival those on the Nintendo DS or Sony PSP.

Paradise: The Beginning out on iTunes

Just want to call out a pretty interesting iPhone game that was just released. It's called Paradise: The Beginning (Not sure if they're intentionally poking fun at Aurora Feint or not). (Paradise: The Beginning phobos link to iTunes)

Paradise is a shooter that uses dual analog controls. The controls in this game are GOOD. The visuals match well and give good feedback on what's happening, especially since the iPhone has no tactile feedback from the touch screen. The left corner moves and the right corner shoots. Your avatar moves very fluidly. It's a joy to roam around.

The controls are very similar to SmashTV/Geometry Wars/any game that uses a left stick to move and a right stick to shoot.

Increasingly difficult waves of enemies spawn and attack, and you must evade and kill them. Power ups, shields and health spawn intermittently to keep the game interesting.

The game cost 99 cents. That's the price of a bottle of water or a hot dog. Hell, I don't even know if you can get a hot dog for 99 cents anymore. I do know that supporting developers like this only makes it more encouraging for them and others to continuing developing unique games.

Go get it. (Link again).

Back from AFK

I haven't posted in about a month now and I'm happy to say it's because I've been very busy with transitioning from the east coast to the west coast in my new job. I'm working for ngmoco:) now and I'm excited to be in the iPhone gaming space. Those of you who read my blog know that I've been keeping track of it for a while now.

I'd like to say that Neil Young hired me because he was impress at my blog about ngmoco:), but more than likely, this blog was under his radar before I introduced myself.

Interestingly enough, this blog and ngmoco are lining up well with Apple positive stance on gaming, who recently declared that the iPhone and iPod Touch are "the best portable device for playing games on".

Lastly, check out ngmoco's blog for the latest updates on games. And I will continue to post here on interesting tidbits in tech and gaming in my usual sort of way.