Electronics Arts is making a big push for social gaming on the Apple iPhone, iPod touch and iPad by bringing its social-gaming Pogo business to iOS devices. The move shows that social gaming may be the next big wave in the mobile space and EA wants to dive into this space before companies like Zynga and ngmoco become dominant.
The EA Pogo games app (iTunes link) is free and it offers users access to five games: Mahjong Safari, Sweet Tooth 2, Poppit!, Word Whomp and Turbo 21. There’s also an advertising-free version which will cost $2.99.
“We’ve been entertaining audiences for more than 10 years, and that experience has given us a deep understanding of the types of games that engage people and keep them coming back for more,” said Michael Marchetti, SVP & GM Pogo at Electronic Arts in a prepared statement. “With the move to iPhone and iPod touch, we’re giving people new ways to play, share and compete—now any moment can turn into a fun moment.”
While EA will continue to release high-profile games on the iPhone like Madden, the social games may wind up generating more revenue due to advertising and in-app purchases. We’ve seen how powerful these types of games can be on the web, as Zynga has rocketed to success thanks to its games on Facebook.
EA won’t be alone in trying to get iPhone owners to embrace social games, as the aforementioned Zynga is making a bigger push in the mobile space. The social gaming giant just purchased Newtoy to boost its app-making prowess and we should see a slate of games from that company on the iPhone, Android and any other platform that gains traction.
Ngmoco was an early social gaming hit on iOS and it was recently acquired for more than $400 million. Look for that company to also make a big push for mobile social games.
[Via Gamasutra, Electronic Arts]
