It looks like Apple has learned to live with and even embrace its accidental gaming empire, to the point where it’s actually being proactive in going after the core gamer demographic. The big announcements at WWDC this year were certainly iOS 6 and the Macbook Pro refresh, but one of the first applications to be shown off taking advantage of the vaunted Retina display was none other than one of PC gaming’s strongest franchises.
“You are going to see a gaming experience unlike any you’ve seen before,” Apple’s Phil Schiller said when introducing Diablo 3 running in 2880 x 1800. Coupled with the announcement of Game Center coming to OSX Mountain Lion, it seems that Diablo 3 is leading the charge for a much more game-centric Apple strategy.
Apple’s Shift Towards Gaming
Apple’s foray into the gaming world has been somewhat inadvertent, but the company is now making deliberate strides to cater to gamers. Historically, Apple has been more focused on productivity and creative applications, but the gaming industry has proven too lucrative to ignore. The introduction of the Retina display on the Macbook Pro is a clear indication that Apple is serious about providing a superior gaming experience. The high-resolution display offers stunning visuals that can enhance the gaming experience, making it more immersive and enjoyable.
The inclusion of Game Center in OSX Mountain Lion is another strategic move. Game Center, which was initially launched on iOS, allows users to track their achievements, compare scores, and challenge friends. Bringing this feature to OSX bridges the gap between mobile and desktop gaming, creating a more unified gaming ecosystem. This move not only appeals to casual gamers but also to more serious gamers who appreciate the social and competitive aspects of gaming.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
The gaming industry’s response to Apple’s new direction has been largely positive. Developers are excited about the potential of creating games that can take full advantage of the Retina display’s capabilities. The high resolution allows for more detailed graphics, which can make games more visually appealing. This is particularly important for genres like RPGs and strategy games, where intricate details can significantly enhance the gameplay experience.
Moreover, Apple’s hardware advancements are likely to push other manufacturers to improve their own gaming laptops and desktops. Competition in the tech industry often leads to rapid advancements, and gamers stand to benefit from this. As more companies strive to match or exceed Apple’s offerings, the overall quality of gaming hardware is likely to improve.
Apple’s proactive approach also opens up new opportunities for game developers. With a more game-centric strategy, developers can expect better support and more resources from Apple. This could lead to the development of more high-quality games for the Mac platform, which has traditionally lagged behind Windows in terms of game availability.
In addition to hardware and software improvements, Apple’s entry into the gaming market could also influence the types of games being developed. With Apple’s emphasis on high-quality visuals and seamless integration across devices, developers might be encouraged to create more visually stunning and innovative games. This could lead to a broader range of gaming experiences for players.
In conclusion, Apple’s embrace of its accidental gaming empire marks a significant shift in the company’s strategy. By focusing on providing a superior gaming experience through advancements like the Retina display and the integration of Game Center, Apple is positioning itself as a serious contender in the gaming industry. This move not only benefits gamers but also has the potential to drive innovation and competition within the industry.
Source Games Industry International
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