Epic Games and Unreal on iPhones

Today is an Apple conference.  Steve Jobs takes the stage, wears turtlenecks, holds things in the air and grumbles stuff about one more something or other…

Last time consumers saw this, gamers got a glimpse of Apple’s upcoming Game Center; something Jobs claims will elevate the iOS platform to new heights in the gaming world.  Die-hards remain unconvinced.  But what happened today may sway a few opinions.

Epic Games will be releasing a title that makes use of Game Center, touch screen controls and their Unreal Engine 3 on the iOS.  That means it will see life on the iPod Touch, the iPhone and the iPad.  The game is currently codenamed Project Sword, and all of the liveblogs happening now are saying that this thing looks graphically impressive.

But wait right there… the method for input is touch screen, of course.  This is a fighting game.  The control system does not involve hovering buttons in the corners of the screen like iPhone users have seen in games like Street Fighter IV.  Instead, this game features what’s being described as swiping controls.  Here’s how Mike Capps, President of Epic Games, put it: “I’m just dragging moves on my screen… here I’m going to drag my boot on your face.”

The game will make use of Game Center, a feature that will go live with the iOS 4.1 update next week.  The update is free.  Game Center includes leaderboards, the ability to challenge friends, to find new games and a matchmaking service.

But is this enough for Apple to be a respected competitor in the handheld gaming arena?  Does this sort of thing attract gamers to the iPhone and the iOS offerings?  Odds are, most gamers will stand fast with their opinions.  But this sort of announcement goes a long way towards opening the door for more fans.  Epic making a solid title for the platform is only the icing on the cake.

Project Sword is due out later this year.