Activision's Skylanders makes move on iOS

The first steps for the franchise on iOS, Activision has launched Skylanders: Cloud Patrol on the App Store in Canada.

The series, which is a spin off from the publisher's lucrative Spyro IP, is unique, given it offers players the opportunity to link their play with real action figures.

The 'portable power peripheral' used to bring them into the game on other formats will not be available on iOS, however, with Activision instead bundling codes to unlock the characters in play instead.

With Activision claiming Skylanders was the number one kids games series in 2011, commentators are already pitching its move onto iOS of a way of expanding its hold on that userbase.

Indeed, compared to the franchise's RRP on console, Skylanders: Cloud Patrol could well act as a low-cost gateway into the series for many consumers, with in-app purchases bringing in additional revenue as play progresses.

"Skylanders is already a huge success both on consoles and the web with Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure and Skylanders: Spyro's Universe and we are excited to bring the franchise to the mobile platform," said VP of consumer marketing John Coyne.

"Now with Cloud Patrol, fans have a brand new way to interact with their favourite Skylanders characters on the go in fun a new form of gameplay."

No date for a release in the US or Europe has yet been given.