What If?Apple released a game console ? Gamertag Radio

Welcome to a new series of articles I?m going to write: the ?What If? series. In these editorials, I will present a fictional, but plausible scenario, and treat it as fact. I shall then write about it,?theorizing?the consequences that may ensue from this make believe story. I shall kick us off with this: WWDC 2011, Apple?s developer?s conference, kicks off this weekend. E3 is next week. What if the two combined? What if Apple announced a games console at the keynote? Let?s take a step into the alternate reality where this came true?

Today Apple blew the world away with a shock announcement at the WWDC keynote. After a look into iOS 5, which features better Game Center integration, among other, less gaming related features, and Mac OSX Lion, the newest iteration of the Mac software line, Steve Jobs used his trademark ?One more thing? trick. In a few short minutes, he explained that Apple TV was getting a software update next week. This software update would turn the streaming device into Apple?s brand new product: iGame. The software update would allow all Apple TVs released since last year to function as a games console, on par with the Xbox 360 and PS3.

The console would allow you to game via streaming over the internet, in much the same way that OnLive for the PC and Mac works. This allows for fully functional, good quality games to be played on such a small, underpowered device, with no hard drive space needed. The relatively small price of the iGame, at $99, makes it incredibly attractive to gamers everywhere, as does the launch lineup, featuring games such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, Assassin?s Creed: Brotherhood and Bungie?s new game, which shall be exhibited at E3.

Apple confirmed that they would have a huge presence at E3, with a booth full of games that will both be available next week, and games that will launch soon. According to Jobs, the porting process from Xbox 360/ PS3 is a simple one, so the console is guaranteed a huge library of games. Another benefit to the console is that all games will be cheaper on it than on any other platform, including the PC; games shall retail for just $40.

Apple have also confirmed that many games shall launch on the platform?simultaneously?as other consoles, including the highly anticipated Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Apps, built for iOS devices such as the iPhone and iPad, will also be available for purchase on the console, selling for much lower prices than full retail games, and universal apps (iPhone, iPad and iGame) will be available. Angry Birds will of course be a day 1 release.

A staple of any games console is the controller and Apple has really innovated here. Both the iPhone/iPod Touch and the iPad can be used as controllers, either independently or in tandem. For example, you could have the buttons on the iPhone screen, with a map and inventory open on the iPad; perfect for RPGs, although I could see it working terrifically with any type of game. For those that don?t already own one of these devices, you can buy a standard bluetooth controller, which is designed beautifully much like all Apple products.

Apple has just stolen nearly all of the limelight from E3, taking place next week, and I expect that they will dominate much of the public?s attention during the convention. Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony all have a hell of a lot to live up to and it will be very exciting to see if they have anything as huge as this planned for their conferences. Apple, you may have just changed the landscape of gaming forever.

Next article I?ll be continuing along this storyline. If you have any ideas on how to make it even better, or other possible ?What If? scenarios, please post in the comments. I may even use your idea! (And yes, I will give you credit for it if I do.)

Source: http://www.gamertagradio.com/new/2011/05/what-if-apple-released-a-games-console/

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