Size Isn't Everything, But It Is Impressive

I understand this comparison is not meaningful on many levels, but counting up the number of games on different platforms is an interesting metric. The total number of iOS games in a few short years has exceeded the total number of console games, and made a fair bid to exceed the number of Flash games.

Of course, it's far easier to create a game for iOS than for a console, and requires orders of magnitude less money and time. And without a doubt Sturgeon's Law applies, as it usually does. Still, it's an amazing example of creativity in a short amount of time, and certainly some real winners have appeared. Better still, some new game companies have emerged that otherwise would not have found financing, and some older developers have found a new source of income in repurposing old titles for the new platform.

It's also worth noting that the Android numbers would be similarly impressive, even if not quite as large as iOS numbers.

Of course, the size of the market only underscores the marketing challenge you face in trying to stand out amidst so many titles. It's hard to find gold when everybody is panning the same stream.