Apple Should Build a “GamePlay” Service

I’m really excited for the new Apple TV. Not just because of the revamped UI and the chance to run Plex, but because of the games support. Not only can I now have access to great games that are universal apps and Apple TV-compatible like Transistor, but Game Center will let me sync my progress across devices.

I’ve always wanted to live in a gaming world where I could play the same game on the go or on the couch. This doesn’t work for every type of game, where the design is specifically suited to a type of interaction, but for games like Knightmare Tower, Horizon Chase, Space Marshals, and Jetpack Joyride, these experiences would easily translate across devices.

I’ll definitely be picking up a couple SteelSeries Nimbus (Nimbi?) when they launch, and it is interesting that Apple is forcing developers to support their remote.

However, another feature I’ve been intrigued by is the app limit of 200MB. Apple is encouraging developers to lazy-load content when necessary. Considering some games can cross the 1GB threshold, this struck me as odd, especially since the Apple TV can sport up to 64 GB of storage.

But this limitation got me thinking: maybe the plan is for Apple to offer a new service: GamePlay. While you can already stream some games via AirPlay, GamePlay would be the evolution of Apple’s game streaming strategy.

This would function similarly to how iTunes content gets streamed via AirPlay. If you want to watch a movie you own on your friend’s Apple TV, when you choose to stream it via AirPlay from your iPhone, your device does a handshake with the Apple TV and the movie streams directly to your friend’s Apple TV. You don’t need to sign-in and the content isn’t being routed through your phone as an intermediary.

Imagine if games could work the same way through a new streaming option: GamePlay. In a similar fashion, I could carry a library of Apple TV-compatible universal apps on my phone, and then play them on any Apple TV via GamePlay. In this world, the 200MB limitation makes sense. Essentially, this is the only amount that would have to be buffered in order for a gaming session to begin. Now an iPhone or iPad not only lets you game on the go, but lives up to the dream of systems like the Sega Nomad or the more recent GameStick.

I really hope this is the long-term plan for iOS and tvOS, and think a service like GamePlay could really change the gaming landscape.