ROFLCOPTER adopts unusual pricing structure on App Store
Getting a game noticed on the iPhones App Store is becoming increasingly difficult, especially since Apple clocked up a billion downloads.
In an attempt to quarry a bit of enthusiasm for its new app, developer Discussion Works is experimenting with making ROFLCOPTER a collectable application with weekly price increases until the application is finally deleted on 20th May 2009.
As we cast a cursory eye over the likes of eBay, we can see that collecting retro games is huge business, but since theres no manufacturing phase to limit the numbers in digital distribution, this isnt something thats easily achieved with platforms like the iPhone.
ROFLCOPTER began on the App Stores lowest pricing tier, and has been gradually increasing in price. After a week at the highest price point, it'll be removed from the App Store permanently. The application itself doesnt do a great deal, but as a marketing experiment itll be very interesting to see how well it performs.
If all goes according to plan, it could actively encourage smartphone game developers to begin placing artificial limits on the life of their games.