Google Reportedly Ripping Off Apple's Game Center

[Michael Essany]

Apple, as we've seen, easily takes umbrage at a competitor who dares to even think of mimicking Apple's established mobile technologies and their corresponding hardware or software attributes.

With that being said, something tells me that the suits in Cupertino, California are less than pleased with news today that Google's Android operating system will soon deliver a social gaming experience all too familiar to iOS Game Center users.

"That's a key piece of software plumbing necessary to make Google a contender in the fast-growing mobile games market," the report from Business Insider reads, adding that the native Android App will help Google reach greater parity with iOS in the social gaming realm.

Google's software will include a social "achievement" system, which gives people awards and trophies for doing certain things in games. It will also include a leaderboard which will rank players against their friends, our source told us.

"They are starting to really understand all of the needs and wants to make a game really successful," a source close to the matter tells BI. "As recently as even a year ago, that really wasn't part of their institutional DNA, But I think they're getting there."

Source: Business Insider

[feidhlim1986]

If you consider Google ripping off Apple then surely you consider Apple ripping off Microsoft? Oh wait I forgot Apple invented everything first

[DuRoLuRo]

If you consider Google ripping off Apple then surely you consider Apple ripping off Microsoft? Oh wait I forgot Apple invented everything first

Exactly. Apple copied the achievement system from Microsoft in the first place.
And highscores? Weren't those invented by ATARI? Apple did nothing new with Game Center.
Even the design of the UI, is just copying Casino's from all over the world.
Apple did absolutely NO innovation in this area, so Google should feel safe to do the same thing.
I think it's about time Android users get a proper gaming experience

[NakedFaerie]

Typical Apple.
They steal an idea and say its their own then they sue anyone else that has something similar.
When will someone sue Apple for stealing their idea in the first place.

[kraziebone]

Does anyone even use gamecenter? I don't know of anyone, so why would Google want something that nobody even uses?

[jbardi]

Suing over intelectual property or brand is not specific to Apple... they all do it, INCLUDING Google, so drop the fanboy crap. Google is no saint either. Not only that, Apple never said a word on this issue. The writer of this story assumes Apple is upset, so you all jump on the Apple bashing bandwagon. None of you children would know good jounalism or fact checking if it slapped you in your smug little faces. If Apple sues, then complain, but in the end, Apple and Google are the same in their determination to gain profit by protecting their revenue streams.

[brodimus]

Even if they did rip it off, let them have it. I don't want GameCenter on my phone anyway.

[LTechTalk]

Game center is the best ! Apple will open a case for sure !

[PoEtikly]

Game center is the best ! Apple will open a case for sure !

WOW! That's all I'm saying....

[regkilla]

AndroCenter...



Apple should add live chatrooms in GameCenter so people could talk about iOS games and arrange game matches!

[GooseG]

Does anyone even use gamecenter? I don't know of anyone, so why would Google want something that nobody even uses?

Everytime you play a game your using game center bro.

[petrusk]

If you consider Google ripping off Apple then surely you consider Apple ripping off Microsoft? Oh wait I forgot Apple invented everything first

Every major gaming platform copied Microsofts achievement system. Why wouldn't they... It's brilliant tbh.

[GooseG]

Suing over intelectual property or brand is not specific to Apple... they all do it, INCLUDING Google, so drop the fanboy crap. Google is no saint either. Not only that, Apple never said a word on this issue. The writer of this story assumes Apple is upset, so you all jump on the Apple bashing bandwagon. None of you children would know good jounalism or fact checking if it slapped you in your smug little faces. If Apple sues, then complain, but in the end, Apple and Google are the same in their determination to gain profit by protecting their revenue streams.

+728. Very well said.

[Breezer23]

I think we need new writers. Hell, there were Game Center like systems on the iPhone before Game Center (Feignt, Plus Plus, etc.)

[Sage I]

I removed all traces of Game Center I could find using Ifile.