EA and Sega back iPhone games push

Spore and Monkey Ball titles named as Apple unveils software development kit

Apple CEO Steve Jobs said today he wants to create 'a vibrant third party developer community' for the iPhone and iPod Touch - and got the ball rolling by unveiling the new SDK for the touch-screen devices and naming EA and Sega as key firms already making games for the device.

While Apple's focus is still predominantly on enterprise and non-games software, the device has attracted the support of Electronic Arts and Sega, who are preparing versions of their titles Spore and Super Monkey Ball for the platform. The games make use of the devices' touch-screen and tilt-sensor.

EA said a number of other games were also already in development also.

An official press statement offered comments from EA and Sega bosses backing the games push.

“The animation technology in the iPhone OS enables us to build awesome games,” said John Riccitiello, CEO of Electronic Arts. “I think iPhone consumers are going to be blown away by the games we create for this platform."

Simon Jeffery, president and COO, Sega of America added: “The iPhone OS is a robust development platform that will allow Sega to deliver mobile gaming experiences that are truly compelling.