Unity Technologies CEO David Helgason isn't waiting for Apple to officially confirm its tablet before praising it. The device is included in his 2010 predictions post on the company's blog.
"Of course Apple will launch its tablet," he writes. "We even know the screen-size and CPU make. The only uncertainly left is what day it launches. And its price."
Helgason also has views on iPhone and the App Store, predicting that 2010 will be a 'golden age' for garage developers: "A small team of 1-2 people can make a hit game that will sell millions of units."
However, he says that the iPhone ecosystem also proves that publishers still have a role to play.
"Though they may not be forwarding cash and fully owning the game IPs, their expertise in marketing, game design and online distribution metrics and strategies make them a valuable, if no longer totally required, partner to the game developer."
Finally, he thinks that the success of iPhone gaming has proved that neither consumers nor developers really mind closed gaming platforms, as long as they have the right amount of openness.