PocketGamer.biz chooses the top 50 iPhone developers of 2009

Over on our siste site PocketGamer.biz, editor Jon Jordan's been gradually revealing the top 50 iPhone developers of 2009 in a Fluff-style rundown of the code jockeys who've most impressed in a year that was owned by the iPhone.

There are big names and small in the list, but all were chosen for their sales performance, critical acclaim of releases, innovation in terms of business approach, and the number and range of titles each studios released.

There's also that 'i' factor involved, which looks at a company's efforts to meet - and surpass - the constantly expanding boundaries of iPhone game development.

The big boys managed to dominate the top 10, though first place was still reserved for Australia's indie studio extraordinaire, founder of the line-drawing genre and creator of the driving mega-hit Real Racing, Firemint.

Here's the top 10 as decided by PocketGamer.biz, and you can head on over to check out the other 40 and find out what impressed us about their efforts. And don't forget to put a recommendation in the comments for your own favourite iDev.

10. Glu Mobile
9. Lima Sky
8. id Software
7. Tapulous
6. EA Mobile
5. PopCap Games
4. Ideaworks Game Studio
3. Bolt Creative
2. Gameloft
1. Firemint