Apple has been harsh to the world of cloud gaming and it’s users. Nevertheless that they’ve been harsh to Fortnite as well but that’s something different. However no matter how many gamers and developers shun the recent actions by Apple, not much has been done. Although Apple has changed its policy to cloud-based gaming apps, it certainly doesn’t help anyone. Why is Apple in this way of thinking and what is the best way to please everyone?
So what’s the issue?
Although Apple products do cater to the needs of many of its consumers. Whether it be content creation or just as a daily smartphone. However, they seemed to have shunned the ability to use third-party applications for gaming.
Although their policy has changed (slightly) to allow apps such as XCloud to be available on iOS devices, it doesn’t change the outcome.
Of course, we could all label this to be very similar to what happened with Apple & Fortnite. However, that’s for another time, but what do I mean by it is similar?
It all comes down to money and the fact that consumers aren’t investing through Apple and their app store. Of course, when a purchase is made Apple gets a percentage. Without consumers purchasing directly through Apple and going straight with the host of the app/game, they get nothing.
Furthermore, Apple has made a statement at the beginning of this exclusion of these apps. They indicated that it’s purely for safety & monitoring purposes.
They say that each title needs to be reviewed by Apple themselves on a title by title basis. This means that Google, Nvidia, or Xbox would have to personally submit the game directly to Apple. This is a ridiculous amount of time wasted on meaningless checks.
Apple’s New Policy
With the updated policy rules, Apple has requested that each game must appear within the charts/search results on the App Store. This means that every game must be individually downloaded as a standalone app. As much as I am happy to see Apple slowly easing on the right grip of these popular services, it’s not enough.
The fact that each game must be individually downloaded completely misses the appeal of these services. Although the slight evidence of Apple slowly easing is a nice pipe dream.
However, all hope is not lost as they have stated that these services can be available as an app if it’s a direct link to a webpage. Xbox has already vocalized their disbelief in Apple’s ways and has confirmed that this solution will be possible if they cannot be a standalone app.
If this is what it takes in order to get GeForce Now & others on iOS devices then I (as well as others) will be more than happy.
My solution to Apple & Game Streaming services.
I must admit that I myself don’t have any Apple products, but I’ve always had a soft spot for Apple and wouldn’t mind obtaining one again. However, these policies are downright anti-consumer & developer.
Another point to make in, since Apple wants the playing field to be fair, is what about services like Spotify or Netflix? These rules aren’t in place for those services, so why must these actions be applied to the gaming community?
My solution is simple and straightforward and isn’t hard to implement. Each game would have already been rated before releasing it to the public, whether it’s PEGI or ESRB. Why does Apple feel that they need to rate them themselves?
Furthermore, these devices are now allowing AR to become a reality, so why can’t they have some way to scan the ratings of the individual titles that someone is trying to access? If Apple can scan the rating they can then determine (due to parental controls) whether a game can be accessed by the user. The aforementioned problem from Apple can logically be fixed. Surely if they are dead certain about maintaining a safe environment for its users, a simple solution must be implemented.
However, if they also want to be fair & simple, simply apply these rules to Spotify & Netflix. Although this would make things hypothetically fairer, it’ll cause a rift between a bigger audience. Rather than just those in the gaming community
In Conclusion
My honest thoughts towards this mess are clear, it is anti everybody. It is anti-consumer due to not being able to play from a highly popular brand. It is also anti-developer as they’re going to have to carry out some unnecessary work in order to reach other gamers. However, the possibility to have an app that directs to a webpage is nice, it’s just not the same.
Not only is it anti developer & consumer, but this also hurts Apple themselves. Without participating in a growing market of streaming games is obviously a bad idea, loss of interest leads to loss of sales. The numbers from people using android rather than iOS will more likely hurt Apple more than purchasing things through the app store (or lack thereof).
However, do I think that Apple’s intentions are purely for safety measures? Of course not. Alongside with the Fortnite debacle, Apple has just proven that they’re money-driven. Forcing developers to coincide with policies that benefit Apple just radiates greed. I truly believe that if these policies don’t either force devs to give in or increase Apple Arcade subscriptions, they’ll be forced to just simply allow these streaming services onto their devices.
However, gamers will have to wait and see what move Apple plays next. I hope it’ll be with the intention of the consumer’s enjoyment rather than their wallet.
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