News

Don't expect many platformers or shooters on Apple TV

Devs forced to support remote

Don't expect many platformers or shooters on Apple TV
|

Apple TV games will have to work with the default remote control, or they'll be rejected from the new TV App Store - a decision that could impact the number and type of games seen on the device.

Previously, Apple said that games could require a full, gaming-focused controller like the SteelSeries Stratus or MadCatz CTRLi, but it was "highly discouraged". These games would only show to those who had paired a pad with their Apple TV.

Apple has since revised the developer documentation, and now says "your game must support the Apple TV remote".

This means that while developers can still use gaming controllers, they can't require them. So all games must be playable with the remote - no matter how ill-fitting it may be.

How does the remote stack up as a gaming controller? Not terribly well: the only inputs it has that developers can make us of is a small touch panel that can be tapped or swiped, and an accelerometer.

You're not going to be playing Dead Trigger 2 with that.

Interesting games that make use of the unique remote will inevitably appear. Much like how innovative games like Eliss, Angry Birds, and The Room work best on touchscreens. But your dreams of playing more traditional games on your telly may have just been dashed.

Unless you, like, buy an Xbox or something. Just sayin'

Mark Brown
Mark Brown
Mark Brown is editor at large of Pocket Gamer