Premium Game Section a Good Idea, But What Price?
Friday, January 30, 2009 at 9:47AM 
Word on the street is, Apple is considering a $19.99 premium section for iPhone applications. The idea of a special section for games and apps missed by the crush of $.99 apps is a good idea. Is $19.99 the right price point? Should any price point be applied at all? Let's say you created highly specialized software for the medical industry. If it currently retails for more than $19.99, would you feel pressured to lower the price to fit this catgeory? Or if this is only for iPhone games, wouldn't your app be just as lost as it is now? And speaking of games, couldn't this lead to titles that would have been $9.99 simply increasing the price to get the premium moniker?
I'm not against a premium section, but tying it to a specific price point could be tricky. Also, it's key that there are some requirements for these apps. Might I suggest:
Playable Demo. If you want someone to spring for, in some cases, 20 times what they would pay for other apps, you should be confident enough to show it first.
Fix The Review System. Look we're as big of fans of everyone having their say as anyone, but the "this app is too expensive, click yes if you agree" reviews have got to go. How about third party, or industry reviews of premium games. I happen to know a website that's done hundreds of app reviews, and would be willing to help out...
In-game Video These are premium, right? So how about more information before I buy the game. If we can get video previews of iPod Clickwheel gameplay, we certainly should get the same thing for premium iPhone titles.
Apple's a smart company, and I'm sure they can find a way to differentiate premium apps. As it is, it's as if all the games are in the same bargain bin at the toy store.