With iOS 7 now in public beta, almost every iOS developer must be looking at their portfolio and wondering if they need to be focused on updates and new features for Apple's mobile devices. I asked two Scottsh based game developers (Claymore Games and One Thumb Mobile) what effect the new OS will have on them and how much impact it has had on their 2013 plans.
Brian Hackett's answer to the question is very direct, "No impact."
The owner of Claymore Games expanded on that for me, "Nothing that has been mentioned about iOS7 has changed anything about the way we work, or any of our current projects."
Claymore Games was already in the process of adding in some of the latest Game Centre features before iOS 7 was announced (achievements and challenges will soon join the leader boards that are already implemented). The addition of an official Apple joypad API doesn't change any of the processes. "We already include integration of joypads, etc. into our development cycle and this is just another one to add to the pile."
The joypad issue is one that has some developers excited, including One Thumb Mobile. The team behind the 3D MMO Celtic Heroes can see the joypad attracting more hardcore gamers to the iOS platform, and theirs is the sort of game they would gravitate to. "As MMO developers of more complex ‘core’ audience games, the announcement of iOS7 integration with third-party game controllers points to Apple devices encroaching even further into the traditional console space," founder Richard Hasinski told me.
The key feature for Hasinski and his team is the automatic update option, but not without some reservations. "We regularly publish large updates and this features will make it easier for our players, increasing adoption and decreasing wait time. However on the flip side we know our players like to be aware when updates are coming so they can look out for new features, so it is important players can still be notified when updates are happening."
While iOS 7 has many new features and API's for developers - and of course a new user interface paradigm that will require many apps to be tweaked so they do not feel out of place, it's important that plans are not thrown out the Window. Apple has provided a new toolbox for everyone, but there is no rule that says every tool needs to be picked up and used straight away.
The smart developers will look first at what they need in their existing apps, then look at the new toys in iOS 7. Only then will they be able to decide the impact of iOS 7 on their plans on a case by case basis.
