Fruit Ninja slices 1 million globally

The Australian game development scene had a tough 2009, with several companies forced to undergo layoffs and even shut down completely due to tough economic times. It wasn't all doom and gloom, however, with companies developing for emerging platforms such as the iPhone doing extremely well, particularly Melbourne's Firemint with its hit Flight Control. Now it seems even more Aussies are finding success on Apple's devices, with Brisbane-based Halfbrick Studios announcing that it's sold more than 1 million copies of its game Fruit Ninja worldwide.

The game--which sees you using the iPhone or iPod Touch's screen to slice thrown fruit--was first released on the iTunes App Store on April 21 this year for $0.99. "In two days it shot to the top 10 paid apps in Australia, and the success began to spread around the world. It has reached the No.1 top paid app of any kind in seven countries and has been in the top 10 USA paid apps for 60 out of the 74 days since release, where it happily resides to this day," a statement from Halfbrick says.

According to Halfbrick, a HD version of the game for Apple's recently released iPad is on the way, with the release planned for July 14. Apart from higher resolution, Fruit Ninja HD will add two new multiplayer split-screen modes.

For more on Halfbrick and the new generation of Australian game developers, check out GameSpot AU's feature, Aussie Gaming's New Breed.