[colinplamondon]

Alarmist.

EA is running a massive sale- 99 cents instead of the usually $6.99. Because of that, they got a huge, massive boost in sales.

When they increase prices, download amount will go back down.

The Paid charts are based on downloads, not revenue- seems to me they're increasing their iOS install base ahead of putting out new versions of their games, so they can cross-promote against those new paid apps.

EA is usually dominant on the App Store, but not this dominant. The big story is how many independent developers are normally in the Top 10. Ever see a 50/50 studio/independent split on Xbox or Nintendo DS? iOS is still the best deal going for independent game developers.

[somebear]

What EA is doing is really quite clever. By making such a massive sale just before Christmas, they ensure that the charts are dominated by their apps come Christmas day, when all the people who received gift cards go check it out.

[jkahn]

I'm just waiting for them to jack up the price for Christmas day - so all the people that get given an iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch for Christmas view the top list and buy at full price.

Having said that - I purchased five EA iPad games on the weekend because of this sale. SimCity for 99 cents? Yes please!

[somebear]

I thought jacking up the price was implied in my comment. I know I will check the app store on Christmas day just to see whether it is true.

Also, thanks for the heads up about SimCity, had not thought about that.