Why we’ve got Apple TV’s gaming platform wrong
Apple’s streaming digital media device is apparently facing some fresh challenges. A month ago, Disney dropped support for the Apple TV version of Disney Infinity 3.0 and Touch Arcade (not to be confused with this site, Flush Arcade) reported in December that the most popular games in the Apple TV store were only bringing in $100 a day in revenue – pocket change in the gaming world.
In light of this, it seems easy to question the effectiveness of Apple’s gaming gambit. However, it depends on how you measure it. Unlike the Xbox One or the PS4 or any of the Nintendo consoles, gaming isn’t Apple TV’s core function. If you consider it as a bonus to an already robust ecosystem of apps, media and content – then you’re getting closer to a fair evaluation of its capacities. While it isn’t currently threatening consoles or your PC, there is plenty of promise for this little box, especially when it comes to carving out a niche.
The Polygon staffers seem to be positive about the system – with Dave Tach writing “the new Apple TV may not be a gaming console, but don’t underestimate it. Free-to-play gameplay hooks aside, Rayman Adventures looked indistinguishable from the last Rayman game I played on consoles. The Apple TV isn’t designed to replace your PS4 or Xbox One. But it’s more than capable of delivering different types of games.” The gaming selection isn’t too bad either – with popular titles such as Canabalt, Final Fantasy VII, Transistor, and Alto’s Adventure available to download.
One of the main critiques of the platform is the interface and control scheme. The Siri remote control has mixed reviews with one developer has claimed that the current input mechanism requires improvements. While the system has support for third party controllers – like the well-received Steelseries Nimbus – Apple’s mandate that apps need to have Siri-remote as a primary form of control may prove to be a move that discourages developement. And to some pundits, this may prove to be fatal to Apple TV’s growth.
However, as some commentators note, it’s a matter of perspective. Apple TV’s current selection of iOS games, multiplayer party games, and flagship titles means that it is a more than serviceable system for casual users looking for a lighter, quicker experience. The fairly seamless switching between the iPhone, iPad and the Apple TV has another advantage – users can pick up and play from where they left off regardless of device.
The convenience of having gaming capabilities, albeit limited ones, built into a digital media streaming device in a strong ecosystem should not be overlooked. If Apple TV can iron out a few minor annoyances in its controls, interface, and TViOS app store, it could prove to be a valuable addition to an already rich spectrum of gaming experiences. With Apple seeing its first revenue decline for the first time in 13 years, the tech giant will be putting different projects into its pipeline to revive its growth – and games on Apple TV could be a great opportunity.
Indeed with recent news that some Nintendo apps are coming to smart devices, Apple TV may yet build momentum – and potentially bridge gaps in the gaming market for families and casual gamers.
Posted in Blog, Technology
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