Namco, PopCap, THQ Pledge iPhone Support

Apple has announced that the beta iPhone Software Development Kit has been downloaded 100,000 times in the four days since its launch on March 6th, with developers including THQ, Popcap and Namco Networks singing the praises of the new SDK and the App Store. Namco Networks' marketing VP Scott Rubin said versions of Pac-Man and Galaga utilizing iPhone and iPod Touch features were under development, and PopCap co-founder Jason Kalpalka similarly promised reinvented versions of the developer's hit titles including Bejeweled, Zuma and Peggle. Apple introduced the SDK at an event in Cupertino, California, revealing titles including EA’s Spore and Sega’s Super Monkey Ball utilizing aspects of the iPhone including the accelerometer. Apple also previewed the App Store, a way for developers to wirelessly deliver their applications to every iPhone/iPod touch users, setting the price for their applications (including free), and retaining 70 percent of all revenues. "The iPhone is the mobile platform game developers have been dreaming of," said Scott Zerby, vice president, THQ Wireless. "We're looking at how we can use the iPhone's innovative user interface to create new game experiences for our big brand entertainment partners that consumers love."