Why Apple's iTV could be the dominant games console of the next decade

by Naz Pattison Featured 23 Comments 27 Votes 3527 Views 02/03/2012 Back to Articles

In just a handful of years smartphones and their $1 apps have come from nowhere to become the world’s defacto handheld gaming experience, and the same shift could very easily take place in loungerooms. Along the way to becoming the world’s most valuable company, Apple has already radically reshaped the computer, music, mobile phone and tablet industries. It would be naïve to think the videogames console industry would be immune from similar change if Apple’s much-rumoured HDTV set, iTV, arrives in 2012.

Your humble mobile phone has compressed 30 years of gaming evolution into a mere decade, going from the basic days of monochrome Snake to current iPhone games like Infinity Blade II and Dead Space, which do an excellent job of aping the look and feel of dedicated handheld gaming experiences.

Why Apple’s iTV could be the dominant games console of the next decade

The biggest factors in iPhone’s gaming success have been price and accessibility. By bolting gaming functionality into a device people already carry, then letting them download $1 games quickly and easily through the device itself, smartphones provide a compelling impulse purchase that few can resist.

All you have to do is look at the lackluster sales and buzz surrounding Nintendo’s 3DS and Sony’s PlayStation Vita to get a sense of how hard traditional gaming has been hit by smartphones. In stark contrast to these lagging sales, take a look at the App Store download counter at apple.com as the numbers flick over in a blur. They were at 24.9 billion downloaded apps when I looked today.

I’m not saying that games on iPhone are better than their counterparts on 3DS and Vita. I think it’s safe to say 3DS and Vita games are twice as good as their smartphone counterparts. Asking consumers to pay $70 for a game that’s twice as good as a $1 game on iPhone is a big, big ask though, especially when you’re also asking them to purchase and carry a second device on top of the phone they already own.

It’s true that there have yet to be any concrete announcements about Apple’s iTV, but there are a lot of persistent rumours swirling, and Apple has a proven track record of keeping technology under wraps until it announces it one month and then starts selling it the next month. The iTV would certainly include its App Store, along with a more powerful chipset than we’ve seen in iPhones and iPads. This makes it all too possible for Apple to supply games that deliver experiences that are at least half as good as those on Xbox and PlayStation, but at a fraction of the cost, and without the need to buy a console.

It’s a fair argument that touchscreens aren’t able to match the dexterity of a dedicated controller, but it’s entirely possible Apple could sell a Bluetooth controller as an optional extra with its iTV. If consumers are able to choose from a massive range of enjoyable games, accessible as simple $1-5 impulse downloads, the argument for buying a dedicated console and paying $100 per game will become a tough sell for many people.

The PS3, Wii and 360 could well be the last successful dedicated home consoles. Apple and its impulse-purchase apps have already defined how we consume mobile entertainment. It’s not a big leap to imagine the same app economy defining loungeroom entertainment within a few short years.

By Naz Pattison - Naz is a gaming industry veteran and freelance journalist, who has worked as the editor-in-chief of IGN Australia, at the Official PlayStation Magazine, N64 Gamer and Game Informer.

Link to us http://pc.mmgn.com/Articles/Why-Apple-s-iTV-could-be-the-dominant-ga

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Kudos: 287,033

Gryllis

It's going to be a very interesting decade, that's for sure. I'm concerned about some of these multiplatform titles that cost $1 on the app store and $50-70 on Vita or 3DS with a fresh coat of paint.

It can be forgiven at launch, but quite a few of the current Vita games aren't worth the extra $49 when you can pay $1 for almost the same experience on the App Store. If that trend continues, handhelds could be in trouble.

I'm not sure why these even get released as full retail games. Sure, we're not going to see $1 games on the PSN store or eShop in the near future, but $5-10 downloads would do much better than $50-70 retail releases.

02/03/2012

The member formerly formerly known as ICC_06, formerly known as Ben.

Kudos: 121,495

Mirage

The thing is, what would entice consumers to spend >$500 on an Apple product purely to play $1-$12 (for the higher end) apps?

The reason why the App store is so successful is primarily due to 1/3 (probably more) consumers picking up an iPhone (in which a phone is a necessity on today's society) and picking up cheap $1 apps via word of mouth from other iPhone users and since it's literally $1, you just go "Why the hell not?".

I'm not very familiar with what the iTV is, but I don't think the core/hardcore gamers of this generation will be picking one up for the sake of games on the iTV.

We have Nintendo dominating the casual market at the moment and if anything, Microsoft and Sony are set into gear with their next generation of consoles looking to head into that same direction.

Also, exclusives sell consoles and I don't see how the iTV could even branch into that. Most of the apps on the app store are made by small indie teams for the iPhone (with only the REALLY popular ones having an iPad version). And I just don't see how these small indie teams even have the manpower and time to make "casual" and cheap apps for the iTV.

02/03/2012

Do you want some Tea?

Kudos: 10,983

tommo47

Wow, I used to read N64 Gamer and OPSM and I remember Narayan always copping it, it's a little strange to see his name pop up here, but fantastic too.

The article mentions the possibility of a Bluetooth controller for the TV. In my opinion, (a large) part in the success of iPhone games is the fact that they rely on touch gestures. A button-based controller would lose this, and hence I think the quality, and more importantly, popularity, of apps/games that could be achieved is greatly diminished. Mirage also makes a great point that it would take $500 to buy the TV in the first place. Sure, many Apple fans will consider it, but most of us already have HDTV's and it will be a few years for most of us to need a new one.

02/03/2012

MMGN.com - how else did you expect this post to have got here?

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Heller

Whether it is the iTV, or a new Apple TV device, there is no denying that Apple are poised to enter the console race.

Playing Real Racing 2 HD via AirPlay on my TV, and using my iPhone as a controller, is a truly thrilling experience. If studios started sinking in more time and money to make those "bigger" games for the device, and Apple released an official Bluetooth controller, then most people would already have the hjardware to run the new console.

People buy a Wii U, Xbox 360 and PS3 for the gaming console and can't use it for anything else. However if my iPad is actually a console, and it can perform other functions on a day to day basis, which is going to look more appealing for the average consumer. A single device that is locked into a single function, or a jack of all trades?

02/03/2012

Melbourne, Victoria

Kudos: 358,982

Guyver

I still can not accept phones to be a serious gaming platform, the controls are simply too awkward or gimicky to use properly. The only time I do play a game on my smartphone is when I'm bored, trapped somewhere and there's no WiFi or 3G connection available and I have watched all media I have on my SD card.
Wouldn't surprise me if the iTV has some success with games sales on this device, basically we are looking at an over-sized iPad/iPhone. Enough grunt to run a game nicely, all it it needs is a decent input interface. The main thing that needs to be addressed is a good controller for the iTV to be a viable gaming platform.

02/03/2012

right meow?

Kudos: 186,154

Heller

Have you played games like World of Goo, The Sims Freeplay, Infinity Blade, Dark Meadow, Real Racing 2? These all control PERFECTLY using touch gestures, and are all pretty hardcore games!

@tommo47 - the controller would only open the market up even more. Imagine Modern Warfare 4 running on your iTV. Would you want to control a hardcore game like that with touch gestures. If they provide at least SOMETHING, they have a chance to lure the hardcore and traditional gamers to their camps, while still holding onto the app and friendly games.

At the end of the day Apple aren't even making games themselves. If they offer a controller, it will be up to companies like EA to make good use of it. I don't think it would effect the "appeal"

02/03/2012

Melbourne, Victoria

Kudos: 10,983

tommo47

Heller said:
@tommo47 - the controller would only open the market up even more. Imagine Modern Warfare 4 running on your iTV. Would you want to control a hardcore game like that with touch gestures. If they provide at least SOMETHING, they have a chance to lure the hardcore and traditional gamers to their camps, while still holding onto the app and friendly games.

But losing touch controls would isolate casual gamers, and that (I would assume) makes up a vast majority of Apple app sales. Hardcore gamers will, at least in the near future, always opt for a console or a PC as it has a lot more grunt.
I doubt Apple can find a way to pack enough grunt into a TV to run COD4, come up with a decent controller, and STILL keep the price below $5-600 for a 32" panel. Even if they do, I maintain my point that not enough people need a new TV so as to go and buy one of these. Without mass adoption, ala the iPhone, I don't see the 'iTV' and its respective apps outselling consoles.

02/03/2012

MMGN.com - how else did you expect this post to have got here?

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Gryllis

Side bar: N64 Gamer was boss! BEST MAGAZINE EVER!

Wish I wrote for them (although I was in about grade 6, but whatever).

02/03/2012

The member formerly formerly known as ICC_06, formerly known as Ben.

Kudos: 186,154

Heller

They might just release another streaming device like the Apple TV as the console, and that could come in at a low price.

I'm not saying lose the touch screen, I'm saying offer both and then everyone is happy.

02/03/2012

Melbourne, Victoria

Kudos: 67,472

Leasha

Interesting read indeed.

I often find myself on the couch with my iPhone sitting RIGHT in front of the PS3 playing something silly like "Bejeweled" on my phone..

It's easy, its accessible, when I'm bored its off to the app store to see what's next (However I rarely pay for apps, I'm more of a "What's free this week" kinda gal)

I don't think the life of consoles will end though. Gamers still want those epic titles. I enjoy my "Bejeweled" and play it regularly because its easy to just launch up and the gaming is so straight forward I barely have to think but it will never replace the experience of a AAA title. Sitting back, loading up some Skyrim, Modern Warfare or Assassins Creed will always hold a much more special part in my heart. The life of handhelds though, that's another story.

02/03/2012

In your house stealing your stuff..

Kudos: 44,046

Dusty Lids

Most $1 games demand you pay for special packs.

If apple is so hardcore why do i find myself throwing out my iphone and getting a android -_-

My friend is getting an i mac air until i told him you can get a better spec hp computer for $700 cheaper.

Already i have enjoyed dynasty warrior next & uncharted much more then any iphone game.

You get what you pay for.

$1 games yep none have lasted more then 5 minutes for me.

Only games that are decent on iphone are ports. & They are still over $5.

Apple can release whatever they like because i will never purchase another of their products.

Lets play Angry birds HD on our apple $2000 console how cool...

It would be the death of gaming if apple took over the market completely.

No developers outside of indie & fps would release games for $1.

Unless they reduce the quality by 100x

Which is fine i will just go back to my ps2 & psone.

02/03/2012

Melbourne

Kudos: 14

N_Pattison

Thanks for the comments guys. Glad to see the topic has generated some discussion.

Tommo47 - re $500 for the iTV being a barrier. Apple won't be pitching this as something you buy in addition to your HDTV. The iTV will be your HDTV and it will likely use Siri as an intelligent voice control along with a range of other features to make iTV more attractive than regular HDTVs, in the same way they did with smartphones and tablets. My discussion about iTV potentially being the dominant games console assumes Apple is able to capture a large share of the HDTV market.

Re the 'optional' bluetooth controller I suggested. The iTV would still have iPhone and iPad touch controls as the main way to wirelessly control your games. However if you're playing a lot of games you'd consider getting a controller with sticks/buttons etc. for greater control. In the same way you can get a keyboard dock for your iPad if you're doing a lot of typing on it.

Cheers for the comments about N64 Gamer too guys. I had a blast doing that mag.

Naz

02/03/2012

Kudos: 10,983

tommo47

N_Pattison said: Thanks for the comments guys. Glad to see the topic has generated some discussion.
Tommo47 - re $500 for the iTV being a barrier. Apple won't be pitching this as something you buy in addition to your HDTV. The iTV will be your HDTV and it will likely use Siri as an intelligent voice control along with a range of other features to make iTV more attractive than regular HDTVs, in the same way they did with smartphones and tablets. My discussion about iTV potentially being the dominant games console assumes Apple is able to capture a large share of the HDTV market.

Understood mate, my point was more that it will take years, potentially generations for Apple to corner a TV market that has so many panel types, sizes etc, and also that people already have HDTV's. Generally people replace phones once every year or two, hence the continued success of an iPhone. But HDTV's last 5-10 years, or should do at least, and because of this, the adoption rate for in iTV would be dramatically slower, making it more difficult for them to monopolise the industry.

02/03/2012

MMGN.com - how else did you expect this post to have got here?

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Kerosanak

Very interesting read, welcome to MMGN.

While I can see where people come from on this topic, to be honest I think I'm just to set in my ways of using my phone as a phone and just generally not liking Apple to accept it :P

But hey, if it does pull through and become a reliable stand alone gaming device, I'll still consider it like I have with every else that's seemed new and strange in gaming since the 90's. Can't count anything out until it's upon you.

02/03/2012

I'm still kind of a big deal in the Capital Wasteland.

Kudos: 128

Axe99

Pfft....more issues with this article than the assertion that either Infinity Blade 2 or Dead Space mobile are AAA games....

The starting one, of course, is that the games that are 'half as good' (ridiculously subjective statement, and not supported at all by either argument or a range of examples) as full retail games are _not_ $1, or even close (in proportional terms) - the one screenshot provided is for Infinity Blade 2, which costs $7, a range not even suggested in the article. Yes, it's still next to nothing, but given you can get older full retail PS3 games from the PSN store for $30, and given they're likely to be considerably better than twice as good as your usual. Yes, they're still cheaper, but they're _not_ $1, and the games that are are _not_ half as good as current console games - hell - the $1 games aren't even half as good as most SNES games.

In fact, it could be argued that there are less _quality_ games with any degree of depth available on the Android and iPhone stores combined than were available on the PSVita at launch, or 3DS now. And the fragmented nature of those marketplaces, and the (extremely) limited control options means that's unlikely to change (given many AAA console games need to sell around a million copies to break even at $100 a unit, that would mean that an experience that similar resources selling at $1-$10 a unit would need to sell 10-100 million copies to break even - it's pretty bloody clear that we're not going to get AAA console experiences selling for $1 or even $10 (new) a game - just take a look at Steam or Gamersgate - very low costs of distribution and shopfront, and AAA, new games still sell for comparable amounts to what they do on console).

And bundling a bluetooth controller with the iStore/TV/whatever isn't going to change that - what, they'll patch every iStore game to support a controller?

And then we get back to the quality of the games themselves. Infinite Blade 2 and Dead Space mobile are the poster boys of mobile gaming - the creme de la creme. Yet I put Dead Space mobile down after the second level because it made no sense at all for me to be playing that when I could be tearing through numerous better experiences on my PSP. Sure, its textures are higher-res, but its geometry is less complex, and the controls are enough to make someone _want_ to use the PSP's fiddly and finickity analog nub. I'm a big Dead Space fan, but Dead Space mobile ain't getting finished, it's just a train-wreck of a mess compared to using a PSP (let alone the sublimeness of a PSV). Playing games like that on mobile is like riding a penny farthing when you could be on a modern mountain bike with shocks, shimano gears and a comfy seat.

Don't get me wrong - I'm happy for those people that can get a significant amount of entertainment from the offerings on the Apple store and the Android marketplace. Everyone should do what they enjoy. But anyone that seriously suggests that either is in _any_ position to become a replacement experience for a mainstream console experience doesn't understand what core console gamers are looking for or, for that matter, the costs and nature of developing more involved games.

Another huge hole in the argument was the suggestion that the 3DS is selling poorly - I think it's over 15 million and been out for around a year. I'm not sure what qualifies as success, but to suggest that 15 million in a year qualifies as failure when it's selling at PSOne in its heyday levels is also a bit of a stretch. And it might be a little early to pass judgement on the Vita. I mean it had been available worldwide for 7 days and 12 hours at time of writing - jumping the gun maybe just a little?

02/03/2012

Kudos: 14,387

Foetoid

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that i love you (love).

I owned 'almost' every single issue of N64 gamer. I read, re-read, and studied every single issue like i was a catholic schoolboy with a bible. I could name every game, every developer, knew every tiny insignificant hardware and software detail i could and 100% finished about 55 games for the system. Such a fanboy! Anyone who has "N64 Gamer" attached to their resume is a legend IMO.

That being said, i have an iPhone 4, and i love it. I think, more than anything, if anyone would do anything ever with Apple, i would hope it would be Nintendo. They don't have the external sources of income from non-gaming divisions like Microsoft and Sony do. They're a perfect match, they're the best in innovative Japanese company and innovative American company, and seeing these two team up in some degree would be a wet-dream come true. Apple could have iOS software on the Wii-U running iOS apps on the Wii-U tablet, Nintendo could allow old-school NES, Snes and N64 titles on the App Store. Its a win win win win. Thats all i have to say when it comes to Apple. I love the company, i love Nintendo, they're a match made in heaven, and welcome in MMGN.

I've had a few drinks btw. This doesn't affect my opinion, just gives me the guts to voice it. *_*

02/03/2012

Sunshine Coast

Kudos: 96,742

Skarteh

Heller said: Have you played games like World of Goo, The Sims Freeplay, Infinity Blade, Dark Meadow, Real Racing 2? These all control PERFECTLY using touch gestures, and are all pretty hardcore games!

Yes, and like the Wii there are a few exceptions to the "these controls do not work" rule but the fact is they just do not suit 9/10 games which are better played with controller or keyboard and mouse setup. The Wii has precious few games where you can genuinely say "This is better with the WiiMote than it would be with a normal controller".

Mira is also right about it being because everyone already HAS an iPhone rather than going out and buying one for games specifically. Sure the same thing could happen with the iTV if people buy it as a TV and then have all the games to play, but its still not the same market as the typical gaming scene and I doubt it will take a significant chunk if any at all out of the sales.

Hell it could serve as a bridge to proper gaming systems for those who suddenly find themselves gaming and wanting more.

03/03/2012

Melbourne, Victoria | Walk with me in hell

Kudos: 14,387

Foetoid

Skarteh said:
Heller said: Have you played games like World of Goo, The Sims Freeplay, Infinity Blade, Dark Meadow, Real Racing 2? These all control PERFECTLY using touch gestures, and are all pretty hardcore games!

Yes, and like the Wii there are a few exceptions to the "these controls do not work" rule but the fact is they just do not suit 9/10 games which are better played with controller or keyboard and mouse setup. The Wii has precious few games where you can genuinely say "This is better with the WiiMote than it would be with a normal controller".

Madworld i prefer with WiiMote, same with House of the Dead: Overkill, Resident Evil 4, Dead Space, both Zeldas, and especially both Pikmin games are huge improvements over the traditional controls, same with Metroid Prime Trilogy and Tony Hawk Downhill Jam.

What i do love about the Wii is the motion controls aren't shoved down ur throat unless u buy those crappy minigame compilations. New Super Mario Bros, Kirbys Epic Yarn, Xenoblade, The Last Story, Tales of Symphonia, NBA Jam, Goldeneye, Smash Bros, Mario Kart, DKC:Returns and Muramasa The Demon Blade all have either very little motion controls, none at all, or the option to have none at all.

I'm the opposite, i've not even once found a motion-control only game where the controls were so stupid and convoluted, than i've wished "damn this would be better with a normal controller", because usually the developer sees that and puts in Classic Controller support.

03/03/2012

Sunshine Coast

Kudos: 128

Axe99

Foetoid said:
I'm the opposite, i've not even once found a motion-control only game where the controls were so stupid and convoluted, than i've wished "damn this would be better with a normal controller", because usually the developer sees that and puts in Classic Controller support.

Aye, deffo these days, but would have much preferred if Super Mario Galaxy had have used a button rather than a gimmicky waggle for its spin attack. Early on even Ninty was guilty of shamelessly pushing its motion controls, and in SMG it would have been so much better with a button (the number of times you'd move your arm to get comfortable and Mario would spin off the side of an edge......).

03/03/2012

Kudos: 10,479

punk

people speak about apple like they own these little indie companies. if Nintendo, sony, and microsoft expand that experiences to their handhelds (including mobile phones for the latter) onto their consoles which they're currently doing, i just dont see how apple is in a position to dominate?

Apple's eco-system and the developers that back them up is great but I've never found apps to be a priority for me on a mobile platform, communication has always come first but in saying that there have been some really interesting gaming apps.

Getting back to iTV I'd expect to see annual hardware updates and you'll have a fragmentation that needs to be sorted out and as such are people willing to buy an iTV at full price every so often and how long will devs build to the lowest denominator. for all of apples dominance in the mobile world, they're success is helped in part by the carriers plans that 'subsidies' them. iTV would need a subscriber base that is willing to update every year or so. I can only see this move as a way segment online store streaming services and not so much as a gaming platform.

People also suggest that the iphone and ipad are perfect companions for such a gaming system...
are you telling me I need to also put down money on an ipad and iphone to get the most out of it so i can pay more on the app store and get 1 dollar apps that will keep me entertained for a few minutes at a time. ok! [Shifty]

04/03/2012

Kudos: 287,033

Gryllis

@Punk if Nintendo and Sony put these apps on their handhelds for $1, they would be in the box seat. Hell, upscale them a bit and charge $5 and chuck the on consoles.

I just don't get why the App Store has so many games this cheap, and then you're looking at minimum $10 on the PSN Store or 3DS eShop.

05/03/2012

The member formerly formerly known as ICC_06, formerly known as Ben.

Kudos: 128

Axe99

@Ben - the App Store has so many games that are that cheap, because they're by and large rubbish, with some very shallow mini-game stuff that's fun in bursts thrown in. The games that are half-decent (Dead Space, Infinity Blade) cost $5-$7, which is getting closer to that $10 on PSN. Now, I've got nothing against people that enjoy playing rubbish games (I have a soft spot for rubbish D-Grade Sci Fi), but gaming is a _very_ competitive marketplace - there are plenty of console games that don't make very much at all, and there's continual work being put in by publishers (both corporate, and indies that self-publish) to work out the best way of getting a return. If someone thought they could sell a $1-$2 game, they would (there's a number of PSN Minis in this range as well, although it tends to more be $2) - but by and large the type of gamers that buy consoles aren't looking for experiences that cost $1/$2 to develop. Or they'd spend $500 on an iPad for them ;).

05/03/2012

Kudos: 36

AudioPhile

Yeah gotta agree with axe99, i work in the mines and my job entails working for an hour and resting for an hour. I bought the iphone to browse the net and play games, but as soon as the vita dropped i got it. It's all about what you're looking for, i'm a gamer, always have been always will be. Even infinity blade 2 is nothing special, and falls straight into the casual shallow category of most iphone games. Swipe here and there, repeat ad nauseum.

I just can't see people playing these games in a home environment, when really their existence was brought about by boredom, play it for 5 minutes whilst you wait for the bus etc.

Good article, still interested to see what happens with all the android and apple TV's. I think Sony have it right, release the Android TV as a set top box, things move to quickly to lock it into a tv. They learnt this lesson already, thus the set top box option this time round.

07/03/2012