App Store Insiders: Igor Pusenjak, President of Lima Sky, Creators of Doodle Jump
148Apps: How has the App Store changed your life?
Igor Pusenjak, President at Lima Sky: Quite profoundly in many ways. I have been able to do what I love on my own schedule from anywhere, reaching so many people and jumpstarting the creation of a really unique character brand (Doodle Jump) in the process.
148Apps: Lima Sky had good success in the App Store early and Doodle Jump really exploded. What do you think resonated with users so much?
Igor Pusenjak: Simple and fun gameplay custom tailored for the iPhone. Specifically, short gameplay sessions, intuitive and precise tilt controls, one hand gameplay.
148Apps: What about one thing you have done that you think should have taken off, but never did?
Igor Pusenjak: I wish there was only one thing… ha ha. We knew there was not much volume in the interactive book segment, but decided to do one anyway. It is called "Boquitas: The Hunt for the Chupacabras". It is visually stunning with incredible music and sound effects, and a very very cute story, but it hasn't unfortunately done so well.
148Apps: In the five years since launch, the App Store has gone through considerable changes. The number of users has skyrocketed along with downloads, prices for paid apps has stabilized way lower than many expected, free to play has dominated the top grossing charts. If, knowing what you know about the App Store now, you could go back and influence your path five years ago, what would you say?
Igor Pusenjak: Don't really think I'd actually change much of anything. We've grown and transformed along with the App Store. We started with a 99c price point and have adjusted for in-app purchases and looking at free to play models
148Apps: What have you seen on the App Store, outside of apps you are associated with, that has surprised you most?
Igor Pusenjak: The most pleasantly surprising has been the level of success that many of the small indie teams have found over the years.
148Apps: Any predictions for what the App Store will be like five years from now?
Igor Pusenjak: We'll finally see the App Store in the living room through whatever ends up being the long rumored Apple's TV. Sounds like we'll be wearing it on our wrists as well once the iWatch comes out.
Many thanks to Igor Pusenjak for his time.
[ Photo credit: Jon Jordan ]