Apple Extending Trademark to Include Hand Held Gaming

[Bonte]

I am not sure where you are from, but DS games aren't 40-50 dollars. You may be thinking of the PSP.

I also know that game developers will want to charge more than 5 dollars for some games.

I would be very impressed if Apple could ever topple Nintendo in the handheld game market. No one has been able to in the two decades that Nintendo has been playing in the market.

Last year Apple sold more iPods than Nintendo's Gameboy, all it needs now is a big selection of games. Gaming will be concentrated on the iPhone and touch so we may need some extra time and a pricecut but Apple will be big in handheld gaming, that's for sure.

I don't think the $5 pricepoint is a problem, big games can be split into smaller episodes. Combine these games and other apps with the iTunes store and sales will skyrocket.

 

[Bonte]

I really hope all this talk is unfounded. I feel like Apple is already stretched and neglecting some of their base.

I think we all agree Apple won't dominate the PC market with the Mac, combining hard- and software wasn't the winning solution. The playground with handheld computing is something totally different, Apple has a big opportunity in this market and does everything it can to conquer the market. It will grow bigger than the PC and ultimately will also benefit the Mac and osX, its very important for Apple to be in that space and they are doing a fine job.

 

[ert3]

Maybe a handheld video game console is this new hardware that is supported by the iPhone firmware.

 

[Aeolius]

I'd settle for Macintosh compatibility for the online component of the new 4th Edition Dungeons & Dragons coming this June:

"The D&D game table and the character builder are windows applications driven by a 3D-engine (DirectX based). The character sheet, dungeon builder and encounter builder will be standard windows application."

 

[diamond.g]

Last year Apple sold more iPods than Nintendo's Gameboy, all it needs now is a big selection of games. Gaming will be concentrated on the iPhone and touch so we may need some extra time and a pricecut but Apple will be big in handheld gaming, that's for sure.

I don't think the $5 pricepoint is a problem, big games can be split into smaller episodes. Combine these games and other apps with the iTunes store and sales will skyrocket.

I just don't see it. Of course Apple sold more iPods than Gameboys, Nintendo really isn't cranking them out anymore. I would even buy that Apple sold more iPods than DS's. The real question is how many games did those iPods sell versus how many games did the DS sell. I think you will find that the iPod didn't sell squat for games in comparision to the DS.

What is a big game to you? Somehow I don't see a Final Fantasy selling for less then 20 dollars And I don't see how you can split FF up and still maintain a good game. I also don't see Apple allowing us to download the games we paid for more than once, which could be problematic.

If the iPod was such a great handheld gaming platform we should have seen more games for it by now.

 

[koobcamuk]

I just don't know how the president of Nintendo and Jobs will see eye-to-eye.

Jobs has been annoying me of late. Apple have annoyed me of late.

Maybe I am not the corporate whore I once was...

 

[Bonte]

If the iPod was such a great handheld gaming platform we should have seen more games for it by now.

The iPod Touch/iPhone is clearly the best gaming platform Apple has but all in good time, first the SDK and a large enough userbase to start with.

 

[Popeye206]

Why can't Apple focus more on gaming for the Mac? Is there really a bigger market for these handheld games?

I think there is a huge market for mobile gaming and I think Apple recognizes that the Touch and the iPhone is potentially a very good gaming platform. As for gaming on PCs.... personally, with the exception of games like Worlds of Warcraft and other on-line games like this, gaming platforms like the Wii, PS3 and XBox are way better suited for true gamers. If I were Steve Jobs... I'd be putting my gaming resources on the iPod Touch and iPhone. Apple TV I think needs to be more of a Media Center type device for on-demand and interactive programing.

Fun times ahead!

 

[guzhogi]

Please just dont be like the Pippin.

I think the Pippin looked cool, but you're right. On Wikipedia, it says that Apple tried to make the Pippin a low powered computer rather than a game console. Wrong way to do it IMO.

 

[lazyrighteye]

I seriously doubt that apple would ever make a games console...

<precoffee posting>
While iPhone & touch gaming could be nifty (aka: lucrative... and something this iPhone owner happily welcomes), I get the feeling any 'console' talk makes more sense in a future TV - as opposed to a(nother) stand-alone box.

Should that happen, I think Apple would give the PS3 a serious run for the money. And before the impassioned 'what about Blu-ray?!?" posts start pouring in: if an TV/gaming console did exist, it would never offer Blu-ray. Ever. It would kill any iTunes Store aspirations. And we all know Apple is pushing an online distribution model, void of any physical media.

But that's a lot of shoulds, coulds and ifs.
As you were.</precoffee posting>

 

[JohnHawkins]

i really couldnt care less if apple goes into the gaming market. i aint a gamer. now bring on a 32gb 3g iphone with ichat built in!

the secret of my heart...(but I do like the gaming)

 

[cyberjunky]

What is all this rubbish about apple and nintendo, its not a win win situation, its completely stupid, Nintendo are self sufficient and as far as im concerned have no need to partner up, with nothing what so ever to gain from such a partnership. In turn this would cost apple more in such a relationship than what they could receive, the end result will be apple branded games but if they are for a console then they wont play on the mac will they? When have you ever played an xbox game on a PC (not talking about re-release, im talking about xbox disc). So this leaves us right where we initially stood

-Apple still wont have anymore games on the mac from the deal.
-Nintendo will have lost some of their market share for no reward.
-Apple will still be dependant on Nintendo to maintain their market share in the console market.

So what did it achieve? nothing what so ever...All this crap about a win win situation, seriously people stop talking crap.

 

[Sonic]

Loser. Not Looser. Lose = to lose a game/lose something. Loose = to loosen a knot/bow.

Hmmm, the grammar police strike back. I never understand why people can't be happy just knowing you know the correct spelling / grammar. Sorry to single you out, but I find the phenomenon very odd, because I'm sure most people don't dome online looking for English lessons.

This is not a very serious post, so don't take offence!

 

[rubberduck007]

What is all this rubbish about apple and nintendo, its not a win win situation, its completely stupid, Nintendo are self sufficient and as far as im concerned have no need to partner up, with nothing what so ever to gain from such a partnership. In turn this would cost apple more in such a relationship than what they could receive, the end result will be apple branded games but if they are for a console then they wont play on the mac will they? When have you ever played an xbox game on a PC (not talking about re-release, im talking about xbox disc). So this leaves us right where we initially stood

-Apple still wont have anymore games on the mac from the deal.
-Nintendo will have lost some of their market share for no reward.
-Apple will still be dependant on Nintendo to maintain their market share in the console market.

So what did it achieve? nothing what so ever...All this crap about a win win situation, seriously people stop talking crap.

here, here, he speak-a-da-truth!

 

[krye]

There is no new device.

The iPod and the iPhone already are a gaming platform. Apple legal is just looking to cover their asses. They get suid for everything. It's only a matter of time before someone sues them for games on the iPod.

Also, with the release of the upcoming iPhone SDK, I'm sure you'll see a huge boom in games for the iPhone/Touch. So don't be surprised if the SDK does contain something specific to game development.

 

[ebouwman]

It would be nice if Apple got into the "develop Aperture and other pro apps" market instead of all this stupid kid stuff.

What do a lot of those pro apps do for us? They support the entertainment and gaming industry. So if there is no gaming industry for macs, then create one. You really are short sighted.

i hope they do get into video games. and i also hope that they release some iPhone games as well

I think if they can get into games it'll really help them, especially in the long run. I know so many people who will never buy a mac because of the lack of proper games for OSX.

 

[gkarris]

Apple won't be able to compete with the handheld gaming companies or the consoles for that matter.

Definitely add games to iTunes to be played on your computer, iPhone, or iPod, and maybe the next version of AppleTV? (or current version with a way of using the USB port for the controller).

You can also buy games on the iTunes store without a computer.

Definite possibility. The iPhone/iPod Touch games are great - has anyone played iPinball? AMAZING!

 

[aprilfools]

Yes, I am an old man in my mid forties and think that electronic games (no matter what the device the games are played on) are a HUGE waste of time. But, I realize Apple must focus on the youth of today, so that their is an Apple ten years from now. I still hate games though.

 

[sterlingindigo]

Quote:
Originally Posted by sterlingindigo
I have no doubt Apple could succeed at making a portable/system game that would rival or top PSP and Wii. I would be the first to buy. Strange that most games are dev'd for pc, not mac and no games yet for iPhone.

Especially considering Apple's expertise in that area... Oh wait...

Im going to go on a limb and say you don't play console/hand held games. Am I right? Its a lot more complex than those iPod pong games they've been coming out with. [Although Im getting a sense of sarcasm from this post. I just may not be able to detect it...]

Sure, I play games. Not the kind you are worried about though. I wasn't being sarcastic.

I don't think Apple's previous experience (Pippin-if that's what you're referring to, or even iPod games for that matter) or even lack thereof will prohibit Apple from coming out with a successful hand held or console gaming device now or in the future.

As for previous experience, consider ROKR may not have been a success but iPhone certainly is. As for lack thereof, consider how iPod has replaced the Walkman.

 

[gkarris]

Yes, I am an old man in my mid forties and think that electronic games (no matter what the device the games are played on) are a HUGE waste of time. But, I realize Apple must focus on the youth of today, so that their is an Apple ten years from now. I still hate games though.

I'm in my mid forties and love gaming... I started with Coleco Telegames Pong and Mattel Electronics "Battlestar Galactica" handheld!

 

[SinfonianShrek]

My two cents:

Apple doesn't have a hope of toppling any of the seated console manufacturers... Yet.

Here's the hot and fresh muffin of perspective. Casual games, especially the simple 2-D ones are cheap and easy to develop, not to mention that they start making the publisher an almost immediate profit. Look at Pop Cap: they're worth MILLIONS because of the casual gaming market. Stores can't keep Wii's on the shelves, even now, because of the allure of casual gaming. It's a big-buck market if Apple would just put in a bit more work.

The in-house development of casual games for the range of Apple hardware coupled with the already existing cheap and easy means of publication through the iTunes store would mean the potential for big bucks should Apple actively pursue it. If nothing else it would be a relatively low overhead avenue of income for the company.

I highly doubt Apple wants to tackle the traditional gaming market and pit themselves against the entrenched goliaths of Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft. Though I do think it would be neat to see Apple buy out Sony, like some article earlier in the thread suggested, though the growing pains and resulting transformations would probably sour the whole deal for the first couple years. Though hopefully it would mean an end to the lurching monstrosity of the PlayStation brand and the reinvention of the console as we know it.

Will it happen? My money's on no.

 

[diamond.g]

<precoffee posting>
While iPhone & touch gaming could be nifty (aka: lucrative... and something this iPhone owner happily welcomes), I get the feeling any 'console' talk makes more sense in a future TV - as opposed to a(nother) stand-alone box.

Should that happen, I think Apple would give the PS3 a serious run for the money. And before the impassioned 'what about Blu-ray?!?" posts start pouring in: if an TV/gaming console did exist, it would never offer Blu-ray. Ever. It would kill any iTunes Store aspirations. And we all know Apple is pushing an online distribution model, void of any physical media.

But that's a lot of shoulds, coulds and ifs.
As you were.</precoffee posting>

At the price point the PS3 is sold at, Apple couldn't give Sony a run for it's money. Apple has an adversion to selling hardware at a loss. With this being known how is Apple going to put toghter a system that can rival the PS3 and be able to sell it for a profit?

 

[farmboy]

We played different games...

I beg to differ. I am a gamer, but certainly not a loser.

Obviously your mum or dad never gave ya a gameboy as a child. Sheesh.

Well, unlike many of the posters here, a huge percentage (about 100%) of the adult population actually went outside and played. Hard to believe, I know, in the rain, snow, heat, mud. None of the stuff required a power adapter or batteries. No adult supervision was needed. A bike (NO HELMETS--any nobody ever died because of this omission) or any kind of ball was enough to get started--no manuals (make up your own rules as you go) and scores were kept in your head. We could travel UNACCOMPANIED to other neighborhoods far, far away. None of it proved fatal, and no parental abuse lawsuits were filed as a result of these activities. THAT was fun.

So e-games aren't my thing, but I'm happy Apple may be addressing a different generation of fun things to do. I still think going outside is better than staying inside, but ce la vie.

 

[gkarris]

At the price point the PS3 is sold at, Apple couldn't give Sony a run for it's money. Apple has an adversion to selling hardware at a loss. With this being known how is Apple going to put toghter a system that can rival the PS3 and be able to sell it for a profit?

And by the time Apple is ready for all their stuff (probably in the fall), the PS3 will drop again to $299... good luck competing against that.

 

[ebouwman]

Apple won't be able to compete with the handheld gaming companies or the consoles for that matter.

Definitely add games to iTunes to be played on your computer, iPhone, or iPod, and maybe the next version of AppleTV? (or current version with a way of using the USB port for the controller).

You can also buy games on the iTunes store without a computer.

Definite possibility. The iPhone/iPod Touch games are great - has anyone played iPinball? AMAZING!

I think that apple could absolutely thrash the handheld competition. Apple has so many people with iPods who carry them everywhere. Now why don't people carry their nintendo DS everywhere? Because they're huge.

What apple can do is draw on it's market of iPod users for a kind of user base. What everybody wants is a device that can do everything, it worked for the iPhone because people want their iPod and phone as one. I'm sure that there is a large market of people who want their handheld and iPod to be one device. I know i do.

So apple could create an iPhone/gameboy type device, it would be quite an interesting breed.
To be honest though, i really don't see this happening.

I don't think Apple's previous experience (Pippin-if that's what you're referring to, or even iPod games for that matter) or even lack thereof will prohibit Apple from coming out with a successful hand held or console gaming device now or in the future.

As for previous experience, consider ROKR may not have been a success but iPhone certainly is. As for lack thereof, consider how iPod has replaced the Walkman.

It does seem like apple is good at F***ing up then many years later taking those same ideas and reusing them, like you said, the rokr, as well as the newton.

At the price point the PS3 is sold at, Apple couldn't give Sony a run for it's money. Apple has an adversion to selling hardware at a loss. With this being known how is Apple going to put toghter a system that can rival the PS3 and be able to sell it for a profit?

I don't know what kind of margins apple makes, but you should know that there is slim to no profit at all for retailers on most apple products.

Also, who says that apple will be competing with the PS3? How about the wii, it's kind of in it's own category.