Apple Games To Remain on iPod, iPhone

[MacRumors]

A recent extension of Apple's trademark to cover handheld gaming sparked some speculation that Apple might try its hand at a dedicated gaming device. However, a more cautious interpretation of this move is that Apple is simply covering their recent move into iPod game sales.

Develop Magazine claims that this is indeed the case, and that Apple is not planning on introducing a dedicated gaming device.

"Apple is very protective of the reputation it has built in the electronics market," said our source - familiar with Apple's conversations with software companies - speaking under conditions of anonymity. "So don't hold your breath for an announcement of an 'iGame' console just yet."

Instead, Apple is said to be looking to add more mobile games to its iPod, Touch and iPhone products. At present, Apple hand picks developers who it feels will make the best games for the iPod, and does not allow all comers to participate.

The iPhone and iPod Touch, however, are due to see a more public Software Development Kit (SDK) this month, though the exact details remain unknown.

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[notnek]

Makes sense. I'd personally rather Apple not spend time/money developing a dedicated console. Developing games on the multi-touch interface sound like a good plan to me.

[noodle654]

If Apple made a console...I wouldnt buy it. Xbox360 FTW

[LloydBraun89]

they would be wasting their time if they did make a dedicated console.

[absolutmp5]

blah this is obvious, let them get the cell phones down first

[Full of Win]

I'm still on shock that the iPhone did not ship with a basic gameset, such as breakout, the homage to our iCEO

[shiunn]

didn't apple build a console before? some links on MR brought me to Pippin the other day; although it's not a handheld device...

[jouster]

Originally Posted by Full of Win

I'm still on shock that the iPhone did not ship with a basic gameset, such as breakout, the homage to our iCEO

Well, more to his chubby, Segway polo-playing friend.......

[Darkroom]

maybe Apple will be start exclusively developing games for Wii/DS? wasn't there are rumor a while back concerning an Apple+Nintendo Partnership?

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Originally Posted by Darkroom

maybe Apple will be start exclusively developing games for Wii/DS? wasn't there are rumor a while back concerning an Apple+Nintendo Partnership?

no, the rumors were for Nintendo developing for Apple. Why would Nintendo want Apple to develope for Nintendo's consoles? Apple hasn't had much experience in gaming, so a partnership with nintendo would be great. Although I don't ever see it happening I would be first inline to have a 2.5D Zelda game on my iPod!

[Doctor Q]

Although Apple muscled into the mobile phone market and is doing well so far, I doubt they could make much of a dent in the traditional (and cut-throat) computer game or console game market. They'd need something incredibly new and different, and we have no evidence that they have any such invention or new idea up their sleeve.

Maybe they'll expand iPod-type games just a bit, into the Apple TV.

[BigJohno]

Well remember what everyone said about when there was talks of Apple making a phone. Everyone smashed the idea and now look at Apple.

I think that Apple should focus on getting more game companies to start developing games for the mac. I dont think it would be a bad idea but I also dont think it would be a good idea either. I trust that Apple can make an awesome game console but I just cant see where it would go.

[aswitcher]

Some cool multiplayer wifi ipod touch/phone games would be very nice.

[lazyrighteye]

Originally Posted by Doctor Q

They'd need something incredibly new and different, and we have no evidence that they have any such invention or new idea up their sleeve.

Maybe they'll expand iPod-type games just a bit, into the Apple TV.

Not sure how incredibly new or different this concept is (I'm guessing "neither"), but I could see iPhones/touches acting as a wireless remotes for TV - whose function could also eventually include gaming control. And I say "eventually" as we all know basic navigational functionality (Play, Pause, Volume, Select, etc.) would be rolled out well in advance of more complex gaming control.
Could be interesting... or at least sounds more plausible, to me, than a stand-alone gaming console (at least as we know "gaming consoles" today).

Apple is putting a lot of eggs in their multi-touch basket.
I have a feeling they're only scratching the surface (is that a pun, and a bad one at that?) of where they're planning on taking multi-touch.
I always found it interesting that Steve appeared so emotional during the iPhone announcement. Maybe it's that he knew where they planned on taking multi-touch. Or that the iPhone announcement will later be looked at as the beginning of a better Apple (a comment sure to insight riots). If not both.
Time will tell.

[adville]

As a trademark lawyer, I tend to agree that this is more likely just about covering expanding protection for the brand, given that they are essentially offering these services now.

The only thing slightly unusual with that is that they filed the application on the basis of their similar application in the EU, and an intent to use the mark in this way. If the application refers to goods already in use, why not provide a specimen of use now, and file on the basis of use in commerce?

However, it is not uncommon for companies to file on an intent-to-use basis, even if the product is in use, perhaps simply because they would rather get the application on file in a timely manner, and not hold it up to round up examples showing use.

[Avatar74]

I'd like to point out that AppleTV is not a dedicated gaming console, but if ever Apple designed a Trojan Horse product... AppleTV (and future iterations thereof) is it.

[dmacdonald]

What someone needs to make is my idea for iPhone + game controller.

http://flickr.com/photos/danielmacdonald/2127089390/

[diamond.g]

Originally Posted by dmacdonald

What someone needs to make is my idea for iPhone + game controller.

http://flickr.com/photos/danielmacdonald/2127089390/

Looks interesting. But the buttons and directional pad look like they are in the way when using the thumbsticks. Plus they seem pretty small.

Slightly OT, the idea is quite close to Sega's Dreamcast VU idea. I thought it was a cool idea, but was bummed out when I found out that the OG Xbox controller didn't completely rip the idea off.

[dmacdonald]

Originally Posted by diamond.g

Looks interesting. But the buttons and directional pad look like they are in the way when using the thumbsticks. Plus they seem pretty small.

Yeah, I am not a gamer. I haven't had a game controller in my hand since NES. I mocked this up to illustrate the idea. Real gamers can fine tune it :-)

[sterlingindigo]

Originally Posted by dmacdonald

What someone needs to make is my idea for iPhone + game controller.

http://flickr.com/photos/danielmacdonald/2127089390/

Pretty cool, I'd buy it.

[Cygnus311]

Originally Posted by dmacdonald

What someone needs to make is my idea for iPhone + game controller.

http://flickr.com/photos/danielmacdonald/2127089390/

Why not just get a PSP which plays better games and would take up less bulk than those grips?

[diamond.g]

Originally Posted by Cygnus311

Why not just get a PSP which plays better games and would take up less bulk than those grips?

Cause a PSP != a iPhone (iPod Touch). There could be experiences not possible on the PSP that the iPhone can offer (read: Touch Screen).

[stupidregister]

Originally Posted by diamond.g

Cause a PSP != a iPhone (iPod Touch). There could be experiences not possible on the PSP that the iPhone can offer (read: Touch Screen).

Then why not the Nintendo DS?

[krye]

Told you.

[sterlingindigo]

"Toys, games and playthings, namely, hand-held units for playing electronic games; hand-held units for playing video games; stand alone video game machines; electronic games other than those adapted for use with television receivers only; LCD game machines; electronic educational game machines; toys, namely battery-powered computer games"

Sounds like a lot more than just covering for iPod/iPhone games to me, but this is AAPL were talkin'bout. I wonder how many grocers get letters from Apple legal for using the word "pod" in their produce section?