Want to create a mobile version of Steam? Foreign media spreads rumors that Apple is building a brand new game center with 3 features, take a look first.

3A game encounters challenges on iPhone

With the improvement of iPhone’s hardware performance, Apple is gradually trying to introduce 3A-level high-end console games into mobile devices, allowing phones to support playing high-definition 3A-level games. For this purpose, it has also launched a dedicated ‘Gaming Mode’ to unleash the performance of the iPhone for a smoother gaming experience.

However, according to the latest data, the demand for AAA games on mobile devices is far lower than expected, and it seems that iPhone and iPad users are not buying into 3A games.

Image source: Appmagic, the download volume of Assassin’s Creed on the iOS platform

According to Appmagic’s content manager Andrei Zubov, the reason is that smartphone users tend to play casual games, which are usually designed to be simple, fast-paced, and compatible with touch screen operations on smartphones.

In addition, most successful mobile games come from independent development teams, which have unique art styles, simple operation, and do not require high-end graphics.

Contrast 3A games, such games usually require the use of controllers to ensure the best gaming experience. Issues such as the smaller screen size of mobile devices, touch error rates, and operational limitations can easily affect the immersion of the game. In addition, these games can only run on M1 or higher versions of iPads, further narrowing the target audience due to hardware limitations.

Image source: Appmagic Apple’s 3A game platform encountered problems

Apple wants to create a new ‘Game Center’?

However, Apple does not seem to give up its gaming strategy. According to the foreign media 9to5mac, Apple seems to be developing a new application that is expected to combine the functions of the App Store and Game Center to create a new “Game Center”.

According to foreign media 9to5mac, this new platform will be similar to the Steam or Xbox application, with three key features:

Game content integration and recommendation system

Apple plans to centralize all games on their devices into a single application, where players can easily manage and launch all games without the need to download or install them through the App Store. Additionally, the app will provide personalized game recommendations based on algorithms that recommend game content that matches the player’s interests.

Community Interaction and Achievement System

The new platform is expected to integrate with FaceTime and iMessage, further enhancing community interaction. Players can not only view their own achievements and leaderboard, but also view the game status and records of friends in real-time. Through the built-in voice system, players can communicate more conveniently with friends during the game process.

Support for no-installation mini-games and game events

Apple’s new Game Center may also support App Clips-based lightweight games, which provide more diverse game choices without occupying too much space on the device. There will also be dedicated zones for regular updates on various game activities and major updates, allowing players to stay informed at all times.

Image source: appleApple Arcade

It is worth mentioning that Apple currently has a game subscription service called Apple Arcade, which offers a $6.99 monthly plan for users to access a variety of games on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. How the new platform integrates and breaks through the limitations of gaming experience on mobile devices through these new features is still unknown.