Apple chief executive Steve Jobs introduces Game Center for iPod at Apple’s music-themed September media event in San Francisco. Photo: Reuters
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Next week, Apple will launch for the and the . The app and platform will allow video game players to track one another’s achievements, create multiplayer matches and discover new games.
The features are comparable to those found in , the and Steam – online gaming services used by Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC gamers, respectively. Third parties have implemented similar features for iPhone games using their own networks, but the Apple Game Center will be built into the tools it gives to developers of iOS apps, securing an edge over the existing networks.
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Steve Jobs launches Apple’s new iPods
Apple CEO Steve Jobs displays the new AppleTV at news conference in San Francisco. Photo: AP
Game Center will be one of many new features included in , a new version of the iPhone and iPod touch operating system. Apple unveiled that and several other entertainment-related products at a live event today, including an with the same screen and processor found in the .
Video game developer Epic Games joined Steve Jobs on stage to demonstrate a graphically impressive 3D game tentatively titled Project Sword that utilizes both the new hardware and the Game Center service. When one player invited another to join him in a one-on-one battle, the invitee received a push notification informing him of the challenge. He tapped accept and moments later was squaring off against his friend over the network.
Game Center will be free on all iOS devices. iOS 4.1 for iPhone and iPod touch will launch sometime next week, but the version (iOS 4.2) won’t arrive until November.
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