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Do you think Apple will make game console?
- Thread starter Ibaorus
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I think it's gonna happen. But I don't think its gonna be a whole new thing. If 
we're to do it I think it would be a part of the Apple TV. Maybe just an Apple TV with a game controller included and an App Store
we're to do it I think it would be a part of the Apple TV. Maybe just an Apple TV with a game controller included and an App StoreThe market is too competitive and the cost of investment isn't worth the return for what Apple likes to make on its products. Microsoft lost several billions just to enter the market. They really caught a lucky break with the 360 by Sony shooting themselves in the foot with that $599 USD debacle. Even Nintendo is falling on hard times due to the flopping Wii U though the handheld business is keeping them afloat for now. The margins are just too razor thin in the market I believe for Apple to be interested. I don't see Apple as a company willing to sell hardware at a loss or break even point and rely on software to make profit.
Indeed. The Doctor11 points out the only real way that Apple could do it - it would be a re-jiggered AppleTC with an AppStore. The problem, is two fold though. First, it would be a separate device that likely would be more expensive (since it has more components and would have to support running complex apps) to the point where it might as well be a $200 plus device. Second, they would still be in the same place as they would with developers with their other options. Think about it. Touch apps (like what are available now) are nowhere going to work with this controller whatever it would be. Apps would already have to be redone totally to take advantage of what the Apple TV would be doing.
Finally, once you do that, you start running into the problem that iOS Apps are not comparable to normal console apps and Apple doesnt want to make that comparison be any more overt by limiting their appeal to an Apple TV. Apple doesnt want people to compare A titles from other console makers with their own Apps (or ones that other developers makes). No doubt, many games are really good, but I doubt that Apple wants people to see their limitations compared with the norm on consoles. In the tablet and phone realm, they can easily sell their games at a few bucks to free. That business model doesnt work in console land where people want bigger and more complex and people expect way more and the games we have now just dont compare.
I don't see hoe it would be profitable to make a system that could do games, but not much else when platforms are already so competitive and limited to a few consoles.
I think if they don't already control a lot of the market, the only logical thing to do would be to push for games on Macs/iDevices.
Currently i'm mostly satisfied with Nintendo
I think if they don't already control a lot of the market, the only logical thing to do would be to push for games on Macs/iDevices.
Currently i'm mostly satisfied with Nintendo
Much of the argument around Apple building a game console center around the idea that they do so well with iOS gaming that all they need to do is put an app store on the Apple TV and beef up the hardware. They forget that there is a reason there are only 3 console competitors most of whom have been building consoles for at least 2 decades (MS has only been around a little less time - a decade and a half). It is insanely competitive and very expensive to get into and maintain. Its really hard - take a look at Nintendo to see how hard it has been with the Wii U.
The whole argument though ignores the reality that mobile device gaming is a different market and doesnt say anything about full on console gaming. Apples success in one area has nothing to do with another. We dont see companies like Rovio or whatever creating big hits for consoles - what you do see is companies that make AAA titles on the console make more limited games for mobile devices that dont really compete with their console brethren. And most AAA game makers dont do anything with iOS.
Thats the big thing. Apple can do well by trying to get gaming going and improving on their existing ecosystem that works best rather then try to complicate their developer relationships further. Sadly, I dont see much in the way of this happening on the Mac - most developers dont put any effort into it and Apple has never worked to change that. iOS is something that is different though. They can do the type of improvements that can get developers to make bigger and better games without re-inventing the wheel and go into a market that doesnt seem to have room for a fourth person.
The whole argument though ignores the reality that mobile device gaming is a different market and doesnt say anything about full on console gaming. Apples success in one area has nothing to do with another. We dont see companies like Rovio or whatever creating big hits for consoles - what you do see is companies that make AAA titles on the console make more limited games for mobile devices that dont really compete with their console brethren. And most AAA game makers dont do anything with iOS.
Thats the big thing. Apple can do well by trying to get gaming going and improving on their existing ecosystem that works best rather then try to complicate their developer relationships further. Sadly, I dont see much in the way of this happening on the Mac - most developers dont put any effort into it and Apple has never worked to change that. iOS is something that is different though. They can do the type of improvements that can get developers to make bigger and better games without re-inventing the wheel and go into a market that doesnt seem to have room for a fourth person.
Building a console doesn't make sense. An iPad for example contains everything a game console needs except for specialised controllers. Powerful processor, powerful graphics, not _quite_ the same as a high end console, but not far enough away. All you need to add to an iPad is a video cable and a good controller.
Instead of a console, they could have an iPad with extra powerful GPU for that purpose.
Apple should just buy Sony for their console, TV products and the patent for blu ray.
Readymade console, simply rebranded. They should have done that instead of buying Beats.
Readymade console, simply rebranded. They should have done that instead of buying Beats.
Sony isnt the sole owner or controller of Blu-Ray. That would be the Blue-Ray Disc association. Of which Apple is a member. Despite this, they have no interest in the format and licensing nor the DRM requirements all of which they have been very public about.
That makes acquiring Sony for Blu-ray nonsensical. They have no interest in Blu-ray, and they wouldnt own the format. Plus Sony has a ton of things that they have no interest in owning or maintaining. If anything it would be a complete waste of time.
Furthermore Sonys valuation is 27.1 Billion to acquire outright - Apple is not going to waste its money to get into a market like that.
Blu Ray was simply an afterthought on my part. I had absolutely no idea of Sonys actual worth.
Its way too pricey for what they have. Consoles are a tiny business and most of what Sony has is not something Apple is interested in.
Even if it was, it would be a waste of money - and its no guarantee that it would be worth it for their console business (which I believe is a wholly owned subsidiary). Who knows what their agreements with their developers entails. For all we know, any agreements that they have with developers is subject for renewal/being nullified if Sony would be acquired. That would make the Playstation pretty useless if developers just jump ship (many probably would).
Plus there is everything else that Sony would be involved with. Doesn’t make sense. When MS decided to enter the market, they just entered in on their own - they didn’t buy anybody (they could have). Of course they didn’t because it would be a waste of money based on the economics of the console market.
I maintain that the console market is not something you acquire a company to get into. They would acquire sony for another thing they are involved in and I can’t see what else Apple would be interested in.
Plus there is everything else that Sony would be involved with. Doesn’t make sense. When MS decided to enter the market, they just entered in on their own - they didn’t buy anybody (they could have). Of course they didn’t because it would be a waste of money based on the economics of the console market.
I maintain that the console market is not something you acquire a company to get into. They would acquire sony for another thing they are involved in and I can’t see what else Apple would be interested in.
Did anyone ever say they were? I was just suggesting a brand with a ready made user base and other devices like TVs etc... they could expand their product range with. A "suggestion".
And how do you suppose they buy Sony if it isn't for sale? Your suggestion is unrealistic. It's never going to happen.
They certainly arent going to buy Microsoft and I seriously doubt that Nintendo is looking to get acquired either so the idea that Apple could get into the console business is a non starter. Plus as it has been pointed out, the business model of consoles is totally foreign to Apple.