Following up on yesterday’s post about the impact Apple and Android are making on the gaming industry… here is a screenshot of today’s top grossing iPhone Apps. A couple notes of interest:

1. The highest grossing application is free… meaning that financial success can come from ‘freemium’ apps

2. … but don’t overlook that it is the NBA App: massive brand and timely app (the season just started)

3. Other than the NBA, every other top grossing in the app is a game

4. Most of those games are $0.99

5 … and the more expensive ones ($4.99 – $6.99) are associated with larger brands (ie Gameloft & Electronic Arts).

This is not to say that non-gaming applications are unable to succeed… but it is clear that pricing, brand and timing play a key role in popularity. This is precisely why Nintendo and others should be scared: the app-store has disrupted how games are played, shared and purchased ($0.99 vs. $29+). It also changes how those games are produced and marketed.

Lastly – while I find gaming interesting and fun, I would love to see other app categories crack these lists. It is already happening on the iPad… and I expect it will happen with the upcoming Chrome App Gallery.

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