Rumour: Apple planning $19.99 games section on App Store

Apple is planning to introduce a premium games section to its App Store where it will sell a range of iPhone games for $19.99, sources tell PocketGamer.biz.

However, the initiative will only be open to a restricted number of large publishers, rather than the thousands of smaller developers currently selling their titles on the main App Store.

The rumour has been buzzing for a few months now - we even included it in our predictions for 2009 feature - but our sources suggest that it’s now actually happening.

There are no details on timescale, although Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), traditionally held in June, may be one likely launch date. However, it could be announced at a separate games-focused event.

We contacted Apple for its response, but the company reiterated its policy of not commenting on rumours and speculation.

Representatives from EA Mobile and Gameloft - two of the publishers likely to be included in any such initiative - also refused to comment.

From some viewpoints, introducing a premium games section to the App Store makes sense. Apple is keen to pitch iPhone and iPod touch as potential DS and PSP killers, but before they make the necessary investment in higher quality games, large publishers will surely want higher price points and more guarantee that these titles won’t get buried in the App Store crowd.

However, the move may alienate the many indie developers who’ve been flocking to iPhone, while it’s a great unknown how popular $19.99 iPhone games would be among consumers. It seems we’ll be finding out, though.

Update: Discover what other iPhone sites are saying about the rumour.

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