Playing games through the Apple TV is something people have been clamoring for for a very long time, and according to a report from iLounge, it might just be happening. They’ve heard from “reliable industry sources" that a new update to Apple TV, possibly coming by March, will enable the downloading and playing of games. iLounge has also heard from developers who are currently working on options for using Bluetooth controllers with Apple’s set-top box.
Interestingly, the report claims that the games will actually be downloaded to the Apple TV itself, rather than using an iOS device as the middleman between the controller and the Apple TV. This strikes me as odd as the second and third generation Apple TV doesn’t have much onboard storage like the original Apple TV did. Instead it relies on streaming things either from its own built-in channels like Netflix and Hulu or streaming things you have stored on your computer or iOS device. One possibility is that the Apple TV would use iCloud as a way to store games for playing on the device, or perhaps there’s a brand new version of Apple TV set to arrive that would include more onboard storage.
We just don’t know, and all of this can safely be filed under the “rumor" category for now. We’ve heard similar things about the Apple TV adding an App Store of its own for years now, and it seemed especially likely when Apple announced their iOS 7 controller initiative. However, the slow uptake of those controllers and seeming disinterest from Apple in all things gaming makes me wonder if something like an Apple TV App Store will ever happen. We’ll just have to wait and see, but if any more news comes of this we’ll be sure to keep you informed.
[iLounge]
