Apple is all about letting (most) 3rd parties use its software for maximum benefit - after all, that's how so many iPhone developer companies have sprouted up and made tons of money for themselves (and billions for Apple). This strategy has obviously proven to be wildly successful for Apple. Like Twitter and Facebook, Apple has figured out how to maximize the input and expertise of others - the ultimate in crowd-sourcing, if you will.
However, Apple has decided to get into the act itself. Seeking to reclaim its own device in at least one respect, Apple has launched its Game Center. The Game Center (you need iOS 4.1 to have it) allows for developers to set up achievements, compete against your friends or others, download games directly from the center and play multi-player games. The system is a similar, albiet more advanced version, of OpenFeint.
This is a big deal for game developers like myself. But, in my mind, it also lays out a more interesting question - what else will Apple start branching into? Is this there first foray into their own gaming development company? There aren't too many "official" apps except the ones that your phone comes with, but I'm curious. Will they go the route of Twitter and start developing more of the iPhone's added accessories on their own, or will they basically stick to the route of Facebook and let others stay with the third party stuff, content to provide a general framework in which others can operate?
What do you think?
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