Interview

Unity: Missing features are the real 'genius' of iPhone 5

Helgason couldn't be happier

Unity: Missing features are the real 'genius' of iPhone 5
Wireless charging. NFC. Expect both to feature heavily in Nokia's Lumia 920 marketing come launch.

Why? Because these are two features Nokia saw fit to include in its latest device, while Apple – for whatever reason – chose to skip over with iPhone 5.

According to Unity CEO David Helgason, however, Apple doesn't make such decisions lightly. If a feature doesn't make the cut, there's usually a pretty good reason that, in time, the industry as a whole comes to benefit from.

We caught up with Helgason to find out why he thinks Apple's decision to focus on stability will serve Unity developers well.

Pocket Gamer: Broadly speaking, what did you make of Apple's iPhone 5 unveiling?

David Helgason: This is exactly what we needed – faster chips and connectivity, better screen, better battery, but same OS, drivers and App Store so game developers can do what they do best: make their games better and prettier and more fun, without worrying too much about QA and testing and fragmentation.

What features do you imagine will most excite developers about the new iPhone?

I think many will be happy with the 16:9 format, as it makes for more cinematic experiences and - for the games where it matter - for more space for thumb-controls.

Is there anything missing from the device?

You could add a lot of things, but the genius of the iPhone is that they aren't there.

What kind of impact do you think it will have on the market. Is this a guaranteed best seller?

It'll sell a ton and Unity will work even better on this one than any previous iPhone, and games will get even better.

We couldn't be happier!
Thanks to David for his time.

With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.