Carmack planning iPhone 'graphical tour de force'
by Jason Dobson 
{ Jul 28th 2008 at 4:30PM }
But as for which one, the company isn't saying just yet, though given that the recently launched id Mobile division already has Doom RPG and the forthcoming Wolfenstein RPG to its credit, we wouldn't be at all surprised if Carmack will bring Quake or some flavor of Rage to the small screen as well. What's more, he's apparently considering the idea of tackling the MMO market on the iPhone down the line, though he admits that he's being "conservative" and doesn't "want to be in a bet-the-company situation" just yet. Even so, as Carmack looks for ways to push the phone's visual fidelity, we take solace in the fact that for once we won't have to upgrade our video card just to play with his latest toy.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Sora @ Jul 28th 2008 4:35PM
Man, stuff like this makes me want an iPhone...but then I realize that I have multiple consoles.
required @ Jul 28th 2008 8:24PM
don't worry, everything I've seen looks roughly on par with the gameboy advance circa 2002: http://media.gameboy.ign.com/media/480/480095/imgs_1.html and that its controls are severely hindered due to its lack of physical buttons, the best it could hope for is something like warioware twisted (which would be great, yet no graphical tour de force so to speak).
Co @ Jul 28th 2008 4:39PM
sounds lame to me.
does anyone know why Apple is touting the 3G tech like its some new godsend just now available in '08?
My Voyager that's been out since last year has this same 3G in it.
uh-oh polio @ Jul 28th 2008 4:46PM
yea, but the voyagers fuckin gay
Duke @ Jul 28th 2008 4:46PM
Because the got a lot of crap from people for using the edge network in the last version. They aren't acting like its some great new option, just trying to make potential buyers happy in knowing the fixed that mistake.
Co @ Jul 28th 2008 4:48PM
uh-oh polio, thank you for your reply.
Duke I disagree, I feel Apples whole spin on the iPhone '3G' has been one of never before seen amazingness only found on iPhone. Which, btw, is very uncomfortable in the hand.
Duke @ Jul 28th 2008 4:50PM
Well, I have one and its comfortable enough, and when I first got it I was one of the people that said it was bullshit they didn't use 3G. Yet I must have no clue.
Ordeith @ Jul 28th 2008 5:09PM
That is Jobs' SOP.
Take something that has been available fo-reaking-evar, finally get Apple to use it, and then claim Apple invented it.
The Apple fanbois eat this stuff up.
Duke @ Jul 28th 2008 5:19PM
We are fanboys just because we have a device and don't hate it? Think about that for a second. I guess you are a GE fanboy, Crest fanboy, Dannon fanboy...etc.
Don't stretch so hard just for the sake of insulting people. All criticism of the iphone isn't to be believed like it's from the mouth of God.
Dale @ Jul 28th 2008 6:03PM
They are not claiming anywhere that 3G is some amazing new tech they invented. What they are saying is that...
a) It is faster than the original iPhone
b) The Safari browser renders pages faster than other phones using the same 3G network connection
You are certainly entitled to your opinion about Apple and their products, but if you have to spout off, at least try to inject a little factual accuracy.
On to the subject at hand, I can't imagine an FPS for the iPhone being usable. Games that need the accelerometer have thus far been very tetchy; and using the touch screen for shooting will be a pain in the back side.
I have every faith in Carmack squeezing graphical grunt out of the device, but it'll all be for nought if the game controls like a greasy turd.
Microswirl (MKWii:1676- 4270-3674) @ Jul 28th 2008 6:11PM
The awesomeness isn't that iPhone got 3G, rather it's that iPhone was added to the list of relatively mediocre 3G phones. It's just a superior to every other phone in every way EXCEPT data speed. Now that this limitation has been removed it is the BEST phone on the market.
But okay, enough glowing praise. I'm not buying the damn thing. $70/month, are you freaking kidding me?!!!
Jhongerkong @ Jul 28th 2008 7:38PM
When did this become Engadget?
required @ Jul 28th 2008 8:27PM
I think Apple is trying to brand it as their grand invention like they did with the LG KE850 and hell touch screen interfaces in general.
John McPoop (PSN:johnnynumber5) @ Jul 28th 2008 11:08PM
@Co
I had the first gen 8 GB iPhone at launch and it was the greatest piece of technology I ever owned (I have all kinds of gizmos and gadgets & a new phone every year or two). I got the 3G iPhone because of the faster speed and new data chip & the higher capacity. The price has come down to more reasonable terms compared to the $599 original iPhone. I have been dissapointed in the 3G iPhone thus far. I guess I got a bad phone because I had major issues switching between 2G & 3G which made the phone unusable. It is now in a little cardboard coffin on its way to Cupertino to be frankenstein'd out and all fixed up.
It is the best device ever. Especially with the added functionality. The only other phone I have had that I liked as much was the Nokia N93 but that thing was much much bigger. I just use it as a camcorder now. The thing about the iPhone is the screen, touch technology, capacity, constant updates and now all the custom applications that are very affordable and extremely functional. I am not a big fan of the speakerphone or the first gen design (slippery) but the griptastic 2nd gen is wonderful. 16GB is more than enough capacity. Other than consoles I am a huge cellphone whore. I am not bragging but I probably have 6 high end cell phones that I do not even use in addition to the ones I have given away to my family. The only thing that may take me away from my 3G iPhone is the new touchscreen blackberry. The only things that suck about the iPhone is the camera, speakerphone, lack of good e-mail client and lack of proper web support for imbedded content. Other than that it really is the perfect all in one device.
Darayz @ Jul 28th 2008 4:40PM
Quake Kart Racing. That's what I'm betting on.
Duke @ Jul 28th 2008 4:44PM
And cue the anti-iPhone comments.
dfnj123 @ Jul 28th 2008 4:53PM
I hope not... I love my iPhone =P
Co @ Jul 28th 2008 4:53PM
you could say "Cue the anti-(subject of current article) comments" cuz it's ALL joystiq ALL the time around here!
Duke @ Jul 28th 2008 4:54PM
True.
DangerMouse @ Jul 28th 2008 5:01PM
Then we need an article on Cheese Nips. Those things are fucking nasty.
jason @ Jul 28th 2008 5:18PM
Would saying that the iphone doesn't have ANY real buttons be anti iphone? Try playing the NES emulator on it, and tell me how 'great' it is. Its HORRIBLE. Unless he's goin to do some tilt sens or point and click, this won't work very well.
jason @ Jul 28th 2008 5:54PM
Would saying that the iphone doesn't have ANY real buttons be anti iphone? Try playing the NES emulator on it, and tell me how 'great' it is. Its HORRIBLE. Unless he's goin to do some tilt sens or point and click, this won't work very well.
Duke @ Jul 28th 2008 5:20PM
I agree Jason.
My point above was that there is this group that comes in to attack the iphone everytime its mentioned. I never said it was the best thing since sliced bread.
makishima @ Jul 28th 2008 5:22PM
@DangerMouse Cheese Nips suck!!!!
wait...what were we talking about? ;)
Noshino @ Jul 28th 2008 5:46PM
Duke,
Thing is, you are not one of those Apple die hard fanboys that are even worse than the ones that the videogame industry has...
You can't say anything wrong about their devices, like nothing.
I don't think that their products revolutionize as often as they claim, but gotta hand them to them for the way they polish their products and the way they advertise them (they have the best ad campaigns that I have seen)
I don't attack the Iphone, if someone comes and tells me how cool theirs is I'll agree (although Im more of a fan of Nokia's designs), but if someone comes and tells me that the Iphone is the most advance cellphone, I sure as hell will burst their bubble
Btw, how are games on the Iphone, is the lack of buttons bothersome? There are certain games like Super Monkey Ball that would play well on the Iphone, but for example, I heard a lot of praise for Aurora Feint, how does it play?
Dale @ Jul 28th 2008 6:07PM
@Noshino, I currently own De Blob - good, when you use touch instead of accelerometer controls; Super Monkey Ball - tetchy as frick; Scrabble - good, if it doesn't crash during EA's pointless opening animations; Aurora Feint - a fantastic freebie Puzzle Quest-lite; and Aqua Forest which isn't much of a game, but great fun.
It's certainly never going to put the DS or PSP out of business, but it's alright for brief sessions on the bus.
Noshino @ Jul 28th 2008 6:18PM
"Aurora Feint - a fantastic freebie Puzzle Quest-lite"
Oh shit, then that like light crack!
Joystick Hero @ Jul 28th 2008 6:35PM
"Oh shit, then that like light crack!"
Crack lite. Same great crack taste, half the calories.
j.howlett @ Jul 28th 2008 4:53PM
things like this will make me sound less silly when i try to start rumors of games coming i the iPhone, farcry coming to the iPhone, pass it on.
Rob Accomando @ Jul 28th 2008 4:54PM
No Id tech on the Wii, but the yes on the iPhone? Amazing.
Co @ Jul 28th 2008 4:55PM
Bro didn't you read? He LOOOOVVVEESSS his iPhone!
deaftly @ Jul 28th 2008 5:01PM
Its gonna be funny when the iphone has more "hardcore" games then the Wii. Wait I think it already does.
Danny F. @ Jul 28th 2008 5:15PM
^-- ouch..
Noshino @ Jul 28th 2008 5:18PM
because on the cellphone area, the Iphone is supposed to be one of the most powerful devices available....and the same can't be said about the Wii
Lazy American @ Jul 28th 2008 7:12PM
Hey Carmack, I think you are right, seems like I remember hearing that the Iphone is even more powerful than the PSP in some aspect or another, but it's pretty unconfirmed I think couse the actual spects are not pulished... I could be totally wrong
Lazy American @ Jul 28th 2008 7:45PM
I mean Noshino... where the hell did I come up with Carmack??? Too many tabs commenting on too many things, I'm a 27 years old geek that lives vicariously through the interweb and have gained 50 lbs in the last year because of it what do you expect? lol
Please now vote me down, I know I am going to :(
K gotta go, my mom's trying to make me go outside! *shivers in fear*
eZtipS @ Jul 28th 2008 8:08PM
Oh wow...
Carmack=Developer
Me=A--hole
No more 36 hour weblog/digg sessions fueled by Jolt cola and gum
eZtipS @ Jul 28th 2008 8:15PM
Oh wow...
Carmack=Developer
Me=A--hole
No more 36 hour weblog/digg sessions fueled by Jolt cola and gum
Tez (PSN: Tezasaurus) @ Jul 28th 2008 4:56PM
Carmack is a freaking tool.
Danny F. @ Jul 28th 2008 5:14PM
A tool with a company makes money and awesome games....
Tez (PSN: Tezasaurus) @ Jul 28th 2008 5:24PM
Your point?
Noshino @ Jul 28th 2008 5:29PM
Carmack is considered one of the greatest programmers of all time, having created and made popular the use of many techniques in computer graphics, and, along with the other founders of id, pioneer of the FPS genre...
Waqman @ Jul 28th 2008 5:54PM
You heard it here first, Id creates an "Apple" game which allows you to make your own "cool" Apple ad where you are dancing to the latest number 1 hit in a silhouette of random colors while listening to your Ipod.
Apple sucks.
aristokrat @ Jul 28th 2008 6:23PM
I don't get why everyone hates on the iTunes commercials so much. At least they aren't super intrusive. If it were up to me, I would never see another screaming car sale ad ever again. Those things are the worst. It feels like someone is typing in all caps at me!
Reminds of the Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm-Flailing Tube Men commercials from family. "Maybe if I yell loud enough, they'll hear me." Well you know what: boo-doo-bloop, sent to ad hell with DVR fast forward.
Majormauser @ Jul 28th 2008 6:17PM
Carmack has yet to impress me. If this were Bungie or Pandemic I would be singing a different tune
DangerMouse @ Jul 28th 2008 7:17PM
Carmack and id revolutionized the FPS genre.
Abscissa @ Jul 29th 2008 12:12AM
@DangerMouse: That was a looong fucking time ago. What have they done since then? Quake 3? Doom 3? Forget it. Id died when Romero and McGee left.
Burnt Meatloaf @ Jul 29th 2008 4:01AM
The problem is that Carmack spends way too much time glossing over graphics.
Everything looks so real on my puny LCD screen! I can count the individual chains in that fence! Or, is that just aliasing? Hmm...
M @ Jul 28th 2008 6:19PM
if the iphone wasn't limited to just one carrier in the U.S it would be huge! Only then will it be considered a true gaming platform.
aristokrat @ Jul 28th 2008 6:35PM
From a business perspective, it was absolutely necessary for the iPhone to be limited to a single network. AT&T took a bet on the iPhone, and sure it worked out famously, but it could have been equally disasterous. If Apple had tried to sell an open phone (not tied to any provider), they wouldn't have gotten any of the new cell network tech that they got AT&T to let them enact (see: visual voicemail). If they had tried to pitch it to everybody at once, they would have not only been unable to bargain (see: no provider branding on phone, no locked down OS), and the phone would have been crippled and not taken off. Apple was only playing the game forced upon them by the current cellular market exosystem within the US. If they had tried to break into a different market like Europe first, things would have been much different. Additionally, T-Mobile is the only other company that uses GSM, so in order for them to support Sprint/Verizon/whoever, they would have had to learn the stupid and dying CDMA tech and make different models for different providers (and this kind of tech confusion is something Apple generally tries to avoid - see one-button-mouse argument as case in point).
While the outcome may not be generally favorable for consumers, not much is when it comes to US business policies and the politics surrounding them. It's not Apple's fault for trying to do something new and having to make some compromises, so stop blaming them for AT&T exclusivity. If someone offered you the chance to unleash your great new invention in their stores, and only their stores, and you weren't necessarily getting the creative control you wanted through other avenues (and there weren't even that many other avenues anyway), I'm pretty sure you'd take what you can get. It's called a foothold, and you normally work upward from there.
I'm not trying to sound like an Apple fanboy, though I do like their computers yet still hate some of their decisions (see one-button-mouse argument as case in point, and I really wish they would sell their motherboards by themselves so I could build my own computer). I'm definitely not an AT&T fanboy (are there even any cell service fanboys), but I don't blame them either (they said we'll let you do what you want, but we get 5 years of it to ourselves, which sounds like good business sense to me). I'd say the protection given to cell providers by the government and the general geoeconomic climate of the US makes things as they are without any true source of blame.