When the new Apple TV launched with the ability to play apps and games, Apple made it a requirement for games for the platform to support the Siri Remote. This decision was initially met with mixed reactions from both developers and users. While the Siri Remote offers a unique and intuitive way to interact with the Apple TV, its limited functionality and unconventional design posed challenges for more complex gaming experiences.
Now it looks like Apple has changed their mind and it is no longer a requirement for Apple TV games that they support the Siri Remote. This shift in policy is likely a response to feedback from the developer community and users who found the Siri Remote to be less than ideal for certain types of games.
New Developer Guidelines
Apple has now changed their requirements and recommends that developers support the Siri Remote but it is no longer a requirement. You can see the change listed below:
When designing a tvOS game, you may require the use of an MFi game controller, but where possible you should also support the Siri Remote.
This update in guidelines opens up new possibilities for game developers. By allowing the use of MFi (Made for iPhone/iPad) game controllers as a primary input method, developers can now create more complex and engaging games that were previously difficult to implement with the Siri Remote alone. MFi controllers offer a more traditional gaming experience with physical buttons, joysticks, and triggers, which can significantly enhance gameplay for certain genres like first-person shooters, racing games, and platformers.
Impact on Game Development
This means that we may see some improved games on Apple’s TV platform as some developers may have been put off developing for the platform when the Siri Remote was a requirement as a controller. The flexibility to use MFi controllers can attract more developers to the platform, leading to a richer and more diverse game library for Apple TV users.
For example, complex games that require precise control and multiple input options, such as “Asphalt 8: Airborne” or “Oceanhorn,” can now be more easily adapted to the Apple TV. These games benefit from the tactile feedback and precision that physical controllers provide, making the gaming experience more enjoyable and immersive.
Moreover, this change can also encourage developers who specialize in console and PC games to consider porting their titles to the Apple TV. The ability to use a traditional game controller can make the transition smoother and more appealing, potentially bringing high-quality games to the platform that were previously unavailable.
Additionally, this policy change can positively impact the user experience. Gamers who already own MFi controllers can now use them with their Apple TV, providing a more consistent and enjoyable gaming experience across different devices. This can also make the Apple TV a more attractive option for households that already have gaming consoles, as it can serve as a supplementary gaming device with a familiar control scheme.
In conclusion, Apple’s decision to relax the requirement for Siri Remote support in Apple TV games is a welcome change for both developers and users. By allowing the use of MFi game controllers, Apple is opening the door to more complex and engaging games on the platform. This move is likely to attract more developers, enrich the game library, and enhance the overall gaming experience on Apple TV.
Source: The Verge
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