Apple Thoughts - News & Reviews on all things Apple

"Recently, we reported that developers were not able to request promo codes for their iPhone apps if the app had received a 17+ rating due to having an embedded web browser, unfiltered 3rd party content, or contained excessive violence or sexual content. This restriction severely limited the ability of the developers to distribute promotional copies of their software to generate publicity and awareness of the app."

The pulling of the codes certainly didn't make the developers happy, and put them on uneven footing when they were compared to the developers that didn't have these types of applications. But now Apple has relented and they are once again able to distribute the codes as promotional tools or for reviewers. Can't really understand why the codes were pulled in the first place but I guess that is a moot point now. Or at least the developers hope so!

"For the first 20 purchasers who send in an iTunes receipt showing a Hexy purchase, Fifth Ace will generate free promo codes allowing buyers to gift the second copy of a game to a friend. It's a pretty small marketing push in an arena where sales need to be in thousands, not tens, but it's a move that is built to attract attention by its cleverness more than its reach."

As Erica points out, this is a small push, but in reality it demonstrates a very good example of the kind of outside the box thinking that distances good developers and great developers from the rest of the pack. There are many uses for the new promo codes aside from giving a copy of your app to Apple Thoughts (although I wouldn't object to receiving them from any app developers out there) so use your imagination!