Is Apple the new Sega?
When I think back to the history of Apple I look to none other then Oregon Trail. What stood out about Oregon Trail was that we were playing a video game in school. Whenever we would finish our keyboarding exercises we were treated to a rousing diskette based experience that rivaled even kickball for the best thing we got to do at school.
Now as we flash forward a decade Apple has become synonymous for it’s chic design philosophy and pension for quality. With the move to Intel processors, Apple has shed its monopolistic style to business even allowing, and supporting programs that allow for multiple operating systems (including Windows) to be installed. For around two years my current PC has actually been a Macbook Pro, and I couldn’t be happier. I get the best of both worlds, a stable Operating System and the ability to use a PC for its intended purpose…..Games.
With the release of the 3G iPhone and the launch of the application store in July, as well as an uncharacteristic release of the iPhone development tool; Apple may be preparing for its own entry into the handheld, and perhaps console war?
Apple is placed in a very precarious position, they have a very successful product in the iPod, yet they still have yet to break through the home PC market to the extent that their commercials make it seem. In order for Apple to enter the games space it has to be an economic winner, which is still to be seen. Sure iPod games have been around for more then a year, but with the application store, Apple has a real chance to see the viability of making the iPhone not just a phone, iPod, GPS, or whatever the hell else one does, but also a gaming platform.
If the iPhone is a successful handheld, I see it being a distinct possibility of Apple entering into the home console fight. With the release of the Apple TV last March, a transfer from the desk chair to the couch was initiated for many Apple diehards. Just a casual look at the specs of the Apple TV show that it has power that is comparable to the most successful home console of the current generation, the Nintendo Wii.
With its relatively low cost, and development already complete, it wouldn’t be that hard for Apple to begin releasing games for the Apple TV with just a simple firmware update. This new gaming platform would offer many of the features that are already available in other home platforms including built in wifi, a standard hard drive, as well as an hdmi port for high definition content.
Having comparable specs to the Wii would allow for publishers to develop for the Apple home console at almost no risk. It would be in Apple’s best interest to partner with Gametap to bring an instant library of games, and then allow the download of new original titles via the iTunes store, which could easily be a built in function of the new console.
With all of this hinging on the probable success of the iPhone application store, as well as the burgeoning casual games market. Apple could pull an “Apple,” and have a home console out for Christmas and become the 4th major console make. For a company that should have died ten years ago, only to make a resurgence with a portable music player, anything is possible.
-Eric Wall
