In a sign that console game companies care about new platforms such as the iPhone, Namco Networks has hired a former Apple producer as the head of its Apple Games division.
San Jose, Calif.-basesd Namco, a division of console game publisher Namco Bandai Games of Japan, has hired Jonathan Kromrey as general manager of Apple Games. He will focus on developing games for Apple’s Mac computers as well as the iPhone and iPod Touch.
The idea is to capitalize on changing consumer preferences when it comes to playing games anywhere and in a social manner, Kromrey said. Kromrey plans to make games that take full advantage of the iPhone, rather than just port titles from one platform to another.
Before joining Namco, Kromrey was an iPod and iPhone games producer and designer at Apple. He was responsible for research and development related to the iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch and Apple TV platforms. The move is another indicator that big game companies are moving into the hottest territory for growth in games: the iPhone.