Apple Takes Control Over Mobile Gaming

iOS 7′s built-in controller support may transform mobile gaming.

Neither the iPhone nor the iPad lack a wealth of fantastic games. The App Store is overflowing with excellent touch-based titles, whether original affairs or smartly tweaked ports from other platforms, and more are being added each week. But there are certain styles of games – especially those that originated on home consoles, arcade monitors, or computers – that either typically don’t translate well to touch screens , or aren’t being fully realized on iOS devices. Fighting games immediately come to mind on the former point, while the simplified interactions of most racing titles tend to reinforce the latter.

Physical controllers aren’t a new concept for iOS device. The original iCade – the shrunken arcade cabinet that houses an iPad and adds a stick and buttons – is probably the best known of the bunch, but it’s only one of many options out there. You can also find contraptions that surround an iPhone and make it akin to a dedicated portable handheld gaming system, or Bluetooth wireless controllers that support any iOS device. But with each controller offering a different layout and uniquely coded workaround to deal with Apple’s limitations, the market is fragmented, and very few noteworthy games actually use any of the available peripherals.

That may change with the introduction of iOS 7, as Apple has revealed MFi (“Made for iPhone/iPad/iPod”) support for game controllers baked right into the operating system – as well as in Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks – which will finally deliver a standardized platform for physical gaming peripherals.

Manufacturers will have set guidelines to follow in the creation of their controllers, and will be able to add that all-important “Made for…” icon to the packaging. Game developers, on the other hand can support the three types of controllers that Apple has specified in its documentation and expect that it’ll work perfectly regardless of physical design or third-party manufacturer.

It’s seemingly a win-win scenario all around, with gamers reaping the rewards in the form of more advanced, precise, and diverse titles on the App Store. But will the addition of built-in controller support really have a transformative effect on the iOS gaming, or will the peripherals remain a niche option for die-hards?

Fixing Past Mistakes:

Standardized controller support in iOS 7 is a big deal in particular because it shows Apple is finally recognizing the place for physical gaming accessories on the platform.

According to Apple’s developer materials, three styles of controllers will be supported. First is a simple shell that houses the iOS device and adds a directional pad, front buttons, and shoulder buttons around the touch screen. Another shell with a more advanced button arrangement in the next step, while the third option is a standalone wireless controller that features a pair of analog sticks for more precise movement and interactions.

Developers can presumably put their own aesthetic spin on the physical shape and design of the controller, so long as it features the same inputs that correspond with the iOS 7 framework, but controllers have to be optional – games must be entirely playable using only the touch screen, as well. Companies like Logitech and PowerA are reportedly working on their own iOS 7 controllers, though details and designs have yet to be revealed.

Better with Buttons:

Here are five genres that will benefit significantly from iOS 7′s MFi controllers:

Fighting:

Virtual buttons aren’t responsive enough for serious action. Real controllers will make uncompromised brawlers shine on the App Store.

FPS:

First person shooters are playable but typically awkward on touch screens. With analog sticks, those solid affairs can become truly awesome.

Platform:

Split-second reactions are needed to overcome obstacles and survive environmental gauntlets. A directional pad will ensure expert-level interactions.

Shooter: 

Arcade-style scrolling shooters require incredible precision to navigate the wave of bullets. It’s just not the same without tactile controls.

Racing:

Current iOS racers simplify the action to minimize touch interactions. Imagine a full-scale ultra-realistic simulation using a physical controller.