Apple hires new games editor for the iPhone App Store from IGN
Apple has hired Matt Casamassina of IGN to serve as the global editorial games manger for its iTunes App Store.
Casamassina got started in covering gaming when he launched N64.com, a site that was later bought by IGN. After 13 years of reviewing games and covering the industry, he's known to many readers in the gaming industry as a prime source for information about Nintendo.
In his new position at Apple, Casamassina wrote in a blog posting, "I will be leading the charge for games on the App Store, so whether you browse through iTunes, iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad, the games content you see will be handpicked and organized by me and my team. I couldn?t be happier."
Apple has been promoting App Store games particularly on the iPod touch, which features game play in its ads. Games make up a large percentage of the apps available for the iPhone OS, and iTunes' model of a wide variety of low priced game titles has attracted enthusiastic development and strong sales volumes to users.
The success of the iPod touch and iPhone as handheld gaming devices has shocked Sony and Nintendo, which are both struggling to reinvent their handheld gaming platforms to make them more attractive to a young demographic that is increasingly more ubiquitously networked and socially connected than ever.
The huge selection of games in iTunes poses a challenge for small developers looking to stand out, but many developers have discovered that the meritocracy that Apple has cultivated has allowed great work from even independent individuals working alone to become popular and profitable titles.
The new games editor position will be tasked with helping users discover new and interesting content. Casamassina will start work in the new role in early May.
Casamassina got started in covering gaming when he launched N64.com, a site that was later bought by IGN. After 13 years of reviewing games and covering the industry, he's known to many readers in the gaming industry as a prime source for information about Nintendo.
In his new position at Apple, Casamassina wrote in a blog posting, "I will be leading the charge for games on the App Store, so whether you browse through iTunes, iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad, the games content you see will be handpicked and organized by me and my team. I couldn?t be happier."
Apple has been promoting App Store games particularly on the iPod touch, which features game play in its ads. Games make up a large percentage of the apps available for the iPhone OS, and iTunes' model of a wide variety of low priced game titles has attracted enthusiastic development and strong sales volumes to users.
The success of the iPod touch and iPhone as handheld gaming devices has shocked Sony and Nintendo, which are both struggling to reinvent their handheld gaming platforms to make them more attractive to a young demographic that is increasingly more ubiquitously networked and socially connected than ever.
The huge selection of games in iTunes poses a challenge for small developers looking to stand out, but many developers have discovered that the meritocracy that Apple has cultivated has allowed great work from even independent individuals working alone to become popular and profitable titles.
The new games editor position will be tasked with helping users discover new and interesting content. Casamassina will start work in the new role in early May.
Comments
Apple has hired Matt Casamassina of IGN to serve as the global editorial games manger for its iTunes App Store.
In other news, a new rumor strongly suggests that Apple will debut an iPhone Mini, which pundits have quickly dubbed the "Baby Jesus Phone".
The success of the iPod touch and iPhone as handheld gaming devices has shocked Sony and Nintendo, which are both struggling to reinvent their handheld gaming platforms to make them more attractive to a young demographic that is increasingly more ubiquitously networked and socially connected than ever.
Overstatement of the year. (Nintendo's record sales suggest otherwise, in fact).
Anyway, as one who used to work with Matt, he's a great guy and I'm excited for his new position.
no spellcheck did work,
brought out spelling Nazis,
wherever they lurk.
Now if only Apple could be motivated to hire an evangelist for games on the Mac.
Since Day 1 of the iPad I've seen some of the same stuff in "New and Noteworthy". I'd like a way to see stuff that's recently been added to the store. I don't mean filtered/edited/sponsored; I mean NEW so that I can find something interesting.
Jeez. Obviously a guy can't crack a joke without someone writing a lame, snarky poem about it.
Gee Zapf, a bit sensitive are we?
I got a good laugh from the Baby Jesus Phone! (BTW, your spelling was perfectly FINE!)
I think the poem (pretty funny, too!) was his/her attempt to play off your joke and start some banter.
ANYway, whatever Apple can do to push games for the App Store (or Macs... PLEASE!) can only bring good things to Apple. Some money, too.
hope we still get to read/consume content by Matt, not just see a list update every few days - always enjoyed and trusted his write ups on IGN.
away in a manger,
no spellcheck did work,
brought out spelling Nazis,
wherever they lurk.
Nice one!
Your moniker: is it THAT Hill 60 in Belgium ?
I wouldn't mind seeing a section called "New" in the App Store that actually contains "New" games and apps.
Since Day 1 of the iPad I've seen some of the same stuff in "New and Noteworthy". I'd like a way to see stuff that's recently been added to the store. I don't mean filtered/edited/sponsored; I mean NEW so that I can find something interesting.
Agreed. I thought I went through every game that is listed, then I searched for Texas Holdem and more iPad apps came up. It makes no sense. I would like an area that just has everything listed and let me decide what I want.
I am familiar with his work at IGN. I was really looking forward to his review of Super Mario Galaxy 2 due next month. I think Apple chose wisely. He has a deep understanding of the core elements of game theory and knows what makes for a satisfying game and what doesn't. Congratulation Matt!
Hopefully they actually listen to any advice he gives.
Why would apple want somebody like that ?
Overstatement of the year. (Nintendo's record sales suggest otherwise, in fact).
There is a difference between coasting on your past accomplishments and breaking new ground.
Nintendo is currently coasting. Sony never did really get out of the gate. I think struggling is appropriate. It will be interesting to see what Nintendo's move is long term.