Mobile gaming has been the new craze for the past few years. With platforms like the Nintendo Switch and Android paving the way, gaming has taken off like never before. However, one of the biggest tech companies in the world is missing from the picture. Apple hasn’t been making the same strides as other companies and, in fact, may be standing in its own way.
The Rise of Mobile Gaming
Gaming companies that have been around for decades are leading the charge with new innovations. For instance, Sony’s PlayStation 5 and Microsoft’s new Xbox models are promising for gaming success. Mobile gaming, though, is a subcategory that focuses on handheld devices for engagement.
The Nintendo Switch is a common example of a portable gaming platform. With its critical acclaim and ease of use, it’s by far a standout in the field. Other mobile platforms have had to keep up with its success. Specifically, smartphone companies like Android are figuring out ways to compete.
With a partnership with Microsoft, Android has been able to do just that. In this deal, Microsoft and Samsung worked together to give Xbox Game Pass subscribers access to downloads on their Samsung mobile devices.
This move is a good one for Android — it allows gamers to use their phones to engage. However, Apple didn’t take Microsoft up on the same offer. Instead, it’s facing obstacles, missing out on the rise of mobile gaming.
Apple’s Obstacles
Apple is an exclusive brand. While other big tech companies like Microsoft and Android frequently find ways to partner with one another, Apple sits out and continues on its own venture. To an extent, this solidarity makes sense. iPhones took the top spots for the best selling phones in 2019. However, when you look at phones as gaming devices, Apple is falling behind.
The exclusiveness of the company led it to block game streaming apps in the App Store. With no cloud gaming services either, the App Store became even more exclusive. Only the apps that Apple allowed could stay in the store.
It was then an issue when Microsoft launched its Project xCloud initiative and Apple didn’t allow the service on its store. Instead of allowing Apple users to access over 100 games, using the cloud, Apple didn’t budge. Its ban stayed in place.
While innovation continued around it, Apple remained steady. Of course, Apple Arcade — Apple’s valiant effort to step into mobile gaming — has potential. It has plenty of games and promises a unique experience for users. The problem, though, is that Apple is still inaccessible.
It doesn’t offer enough connections, opportunities and partnerships where gaming can truly thrive.
What the Future Holds
Luckily, things may be changing for Apple. The company recently stated it would allow game streaming apps in the store — which opens up a world of opportunities. Now, Apple gets to see which apps are the most popular and what partnerships the future may hold if the company plays its cards right.
With the iPhone 12 announcement on October 13, this year’s phone lineup hopefully promises strong 5G capabilities. This connectivity and Apple’s new permittance of game streaming apps together have the power to open up a new path — one where Apple can catapult Apple Arcade into the spotlight.
If the company lets go of petty app permissions and App Store battles, it can focus on the bigger picture — mobile gaming. Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo and Android are the leaders in the field, and now, Amazon is tossing its hat in the ring. Apple must boost its current standing to catch up.
Including things like augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) could be a way to do so. Other steps could be designing games to compete with big names like Mario and Zelda. Though they’re classics, if Apple can nail down the addictive, exploring formula, it could be seeing significant mobile gaming success.
Apple’s Potential
As one of the biggest tech companies in the world, Apple’s future holds a lot of opportunities. If it moves beyond its current setbacks and obstacles, it could branch out. The question still remains, though — is Apple going to remain as exclusive as it is now?