Ask any of the three major game console makers — Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo — and they will probably tell you that designing the hardware is the easy part, but getting the content, the games, and securing exclusives with third-party developers and publishers is the tricky part. Without a solid roster of great games, a console is destined for failure. With so many Android microconsoles now available and an upcoming swarm of Steam Machines slated for launch this year, is there room for Apple?
The always reliable 9to5Mac reports Apple is preparing an updated Apple TV set-top box for launch real soon. iLounge corroborates the story with a report that says the new Apple TV box could "come in March or earlier" and could emphasize gaming. iLounge's news editor Phil Dzikiy says his "reliable industry sources" suggest games could be "directly downloaded to the Apple TV" and the box could use Bluetooth controllers.
Why would Apple get into gaming when there are already so many players vying for living room domination? Because it's well-positioned to do so. In the last year, the Apple TV received a steady stream of updates that gave it a boost in TV content, but that's just not enough.
Rumors have suggested Apple was interested in getting cable content for an Apple TV, but like Google and Intel learned, securing content deals with the stubborn content providers is virtually impossible.
With no access to choice TV and movies, games seems like a good bet. Let's be real, Macs lag far behind PCs when it comes to games available. Steam is leveling the field a little (albeit very slowly).
But, games on iOS — now that's a gold mine.
Apple's website says there are 150,000 games on App Store. Sure, most of those might be absolutely terrible, but there are some really great gems including Angry Birds, Temple Runs, Grand Theft Auto (remasters), and Infinity Blade if you're willing to spend a few bucks. The latter two games are console-quality games with stunning graphics, but playing them with touchscreen controls is horrible.
Beaming them from an iPhone or iPad via AirPlay mirroring on a TV or display is equally terrible since it's next to impossible to look at the TV and tap touchscreen buttons at the same time.
The magical key to bringing iOS games to the TV? iOS 7 and Bluetooth game controllers.
Apple TV runs on a limited version of iOS. Theoretically, it's possible for Apple to enable the same gamepad features available on iPhone and iPad via a software update for existing Apple TVs. If not, it could just sell a new Apple TV with the feature built-in. In order for an Apple TV to be game console — even if it is a micro one — it will need a controller. Perhaps something like the tiny SteelSeries Stratus? Bundling a gamepad by default is essential if Apple is serious about a gaming push.
If a gamepad is out the question, then maybe Apple will do something big with motion control?
Apple has all the parts ready, it just needs to toss all the pieces into the blender and press start. The reason Android microconsoles like the Ouya are struggling is because they don't have good games. iOS doesn't have that problem; it has tons of excellent games that just need to be reworked for gamepad support. And if Apple really enters the game console war, you can bet developers will practically beg to develop games for such a box. One thing is for sure: if Apple wants to get in on this, it needs to do so fast, before Sony starts rolling out its PlayStation Now streaming game service for devices like the $100 PS Vita TV.
Via 9to5Mac and iLounge
Posts
