iOS indies team up to cut prices in the name of Child's Play charity

It's not often that price cuts are reported for any other reason than the increased sales that spring up as a result, or in the context of a last ditch attempt by a publisher to push a flagging title.

News that six independent iPhone developers have decided to cut the price of their games en masse to raise money for charity, however, is certainly worthy of a headline or two.

Six for saleFeaturing Semi Secret Software's Canabalt, Mikengreg's Solipskier, Spider: The Secret of Bryce Manor by Tiger Style, Hemisphere Games' Osmos, Eliss by Little Eyes and Drop7 by Area/Code, the venture sees all six games dropping their price to 99c (some previously retailing for as much as $4.99) until December 31.

The idea is, one third of all the revenue generated during the sale period (minus Apple's cut) will be donated to Child's Play a community-based charity grown that distributes donated toys, games, books and money to sick children in hospitals around the world.

Since it was formed in 2003, Child's Play has pooled together $7 million worth of goods for its cause.

Back for good

"We've put our most popular games on sale for just 99c each, some for the first time ever," the organisers state on the bundle's website.

"When we were kids, all we wanted for the holidays was video games. Now that we're grown up, it feels really good to give back."

The six studios have also released a collection of original wallpapers and lock screens for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad featuring original artwork by the game creators.

More details on the move can be found on IndieSale.com.