As more and more iPhone users turn to gaming on their mobile phones, game developers are responding with new ways to keep fans tuned into their intellectual properties and secure ever larger stakes in a hotly contested market. The rise of gaming on the iPhone and iPod Touch has given way to a whole new way that gamers can keep in touch and add an extra dimension of fun to their gaming experiences. Web company Playhaven is making it even easier for gaming fans to create their own communities with forums and other features to extend enjoyment from all of the entertainment titles on the iPhone.
Developers can then swoop in and claim the communities themselves, using them as official fan sites and proving their loyalty to their customer base. Game creators can easily sign up and since there’s no fee, 40 developers have joined within Playhaven’s first month of operation, taking advantage of the unique service that also costs gamers nothing to utilize. The word of mouth factor is what is attractive to developers who need to be able to create buzz around their titles in order to push them to the level of success seen on Mafia Wars and other phenomenally popular gaming titles. Playhaven is expected to do brisk business as the games for iPhone grow increasingly more complex and user friendly.