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Apple Drops Requirement for tvOS Games to Use Siri Remote as Controller

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Apple has quietly dropped the requirement that tvOS developers make their games playable using the Siri Remote as a controller.

The policy change was discovered in an update to an existing Apple TV support document covering the use of game controllers, and highlighted by MacRumors' sister site TouchArcade as a revision that will surely be welcomed by developers and gamers alike.

appletvremotegamecontroller.jpg
The MFi-compatible Nimbus Steelseries Controller​

The updated document now recommends to developers: "When designing a tvOS game, you may require the use of an MFi game controller, but where possible you should also support the Siri Remote."

The wording reflects a subtle but significant softening of the company's previous stance on Siri Remote controller support. At the launch of the fourth-generation Apple TV last year, Apple initially encouraged game developers to support the Siri Remote included with the device, but eventually hardened its stance by stipulating the support as a necessary requirement.

That vexed some developers who complained that the Siri Remote simply doesn't function well as a controller for more complex games that involve finer grained control and subtler movements.

The reversed stance therefore paves the way for developers to bring games to Apple TV that would have previously been considered unplayable on the platform.

On the flip side of course, it's also likely to mean that some games which subsequently appear in the Apple TV App Store will be out of reach of users who do not own a compatible third-party MFi game controller.

In related news, Apple yesterday demoed an updated Remote app for the fourth-gen Apple TV and tvOS which mirrors the functionality of the Siri Remote and also allows users to play games using their iPhone.

The company also used its WWDC 2016 keynote to announce an updated version of tvOS that includes new functionality and features for Siri, single sign-on and more.

Article Link: Apple Drops Requirement for tvOS Games to Use Siri Remote as Controller
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2016/06/14/apple-drops-siri-remote-game-controller-demand/
It's probably a bit too late to play catch up now - but the correct decision.

Developers will take the hit from idiots with all the 1 star reviews they get from people complaining it doesn't work with their remote. They should just bring up a warning pre-purchase in the store that the game supports game controllers only.
 
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This works for me. Love to see each tvOS app have some icons showing supported controllers such as: Siri Remote, game controller, aircraft controller and driving controller. Then there are hand waving and step pad support!
 
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They will do some sort of indication of the controller requirements before purchase. Though I feel it'll be something along the lines of what they have now, likely just icons at the bottom to show what it works with. I for one won't be using it as an excuse to be lazy though, I'll still include Siri Remote support whenever I can.
 
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They need to pack the Apple TV with a controller... Otherwise a lot of people will have just the Apple TV without a proper controller.
 
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ArtOfWarfare said:
They need to pack the Apple TV with a controller... Otherwise a lot of people will have just the Apple TV without a proper controller.
Click to expand...

Why do they "need" to give people an accessory like this when anyone who is buying it for all the functions besides gaming won't need/use it? That's like saying every laptop needs to come with an external monitor.
 
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Kaibelf said:
Why do they "need" to give people an accessory like this when anyone who is buying it for all the functions besides gaming won't need/use it? That's like saying every laptop needs to come with an external monitor.
Click to expand...
Haven't you heard? Everyone's individual needs should be the defaults.
Just like the people who use more than 5 GB of iCloud Storage and think Apple should raise the free tier, because god forbid they buy storage.
 
macduke said:
iOS 10: The common sense update.
Click to expand...

This is a "tvOS" update and not "iOS'. But I agree the majority of updates announced yesterday made sense. Although STILL no Bluetooth mouse support for iOS, really Apple?!


:apple: iPhone 6/6S/SE, 2015 MacBook, MacBook Pro, 21.5" iMac, iPad Mini 2, ATV4, ATV2
 
Kaibelf said:
Why do they "need" to give people an accessory like this when anyone who is buying it for all the functions besides gaming won't need/use it? That's like saying every laptop needs to come with an external monitor.
Click to expand...

There's no other device that's taken as a serious gaming platform where there's an accessory sold separately that must be bought.

Imagine if the Xbox came with a TV remote but no game controller. No one would take it seriously as a gaming console - it'd just be another set top box like the Roku or Apple TV.

Laptops come with a keyboard - plenty of games can be played with just that collection of ~50 standard keys.
 
I'm just hoping someone will release a controller that has accelerometer support. I was excited to get the Nimbus controller only to find out it doesn't support orientation. I can't fathom trying to steer a race car with buttons any more. What were they thinking? Needless to say, the Nimbus controller got returned for a refund the very next day.
 
The policy change was discovered in an update to an existing Apple TV support document
Click to expand...

FWIW It was also presented in the State of the Union presentation following the keynote. You will also be able to use the Remote app as an additional Siri remote in games, one player using the real remote and one using the remote app (maybe more than 2 players, not sure on that).
 
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