One of the more interesting features that was announced during the preview of iPhone OS 3.0 was the GameKit framework.

The video above is just a simple demo I wrote a few months ago with a beta version of GameKit and the cocos2d-iPhone framework. The two devices discover one another over Bluetooth, coordinate the client / server relationship, and begin play. There’s currently no scoring, and my protocol implementation is highly inefficient.

While the framework provides many neat features, I was most attracted to the zero-configuration P2P over Bluetooth. Multiplayer applications were previously only possible using Bonjour over WiFi, or some roll-your-own solution over the cell network. These methods provide a significant barrier of entry when you consider that the most popular games on this platform are the pick-up-and-play / get-in-get-out kind, with a typical play session lasting five minutes or less. If I have to fiddle with my network options in order to play an ultra-casual game with you, I most likely won’t.

The bad news? Bluetooth P2P is only available on iPhone 3G and 3Gs, and iPod Touch 2G.

It has been ten whole months since I decided I wanted to make video games for a living. Since that time I’ve purchased well over $1,000 worth of books, games and consoles in an attempt to immerse myself in an arena I’ve been away from for many years.

By leveraging my existing skills, I was able to get my foot into the door as a developer for a upcoming kids-oriented MMO by day. I am also designing and programming games for the iPhone on my own. I took a little break from iPhone programming during the last quarter of 2008, but the innovation I’ve seen in other apps has brought me back to the land of Objective-C. And yes, I am planning an update for Tiny Violin.

All this is to say that I will be attending this year’s Game Developers Conference next week, and couldn’t be more excited! I’m really looking forward to meeting fellow game-makers, especially on the iPhone-front.

My first iPhone / iPod Touch application, Tiny Violin, has been approved for the App Store. More details to come, but here is a description of the application:

Play the world’s smallest violin on your iPhone or iPod Touch.

An indispensable tool useful for showing sympathy toward another’s misfortune.

Slide your finger or thumb across Tiny Violin to play one of three short violin riffs, each designed to show sincere condolence for any situation.

Update: I’ve created a page for Tiny Violin.

A ridiculously fun game built with the UNITY engine. Playable as stand-alone or in the browser. Give it play, or check out the video above.