WWDC 2013: Apple Introduces Game Controller APIs In iOS 7

As you already know, this year’s WWDC brought the announcement of Apple’s next iteration of its popular mobile Operating System, iOS 7. The seventh iteration of iOS brings ten major features and changes and overall it can be said that it is a revision that also adds new icons and animations, new multi tasking functionality to both the iPhone and the iPad. The beta for iOS 7 was released with the announcement, while the full release will happen this fall.

A very interesting thing to note about the iOS 7 is the revised Game Center; the new Game Center has a more pleasant visual aspect as you won’t see the green look anymore; instead, the Game Center has a nicer, white, user interface. So far we don’t know if the changes go beyond aesthetics or not, but even if the changes are only aesthetically,  Game Center will still be better than in its current form.

At the end of the iOS 7 demonstration, you might have noticed a mention of an API for third party game controllers. While info on this is basically non existent at this time, having official controller support for the ‘made for iOS’ program is big news. We believe that this might be the move that will mark the downfall of handheld consoles, as iOS gaming is already seen as a dangerous competitor by the big three: Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo. Of course, Apple did not go into details regarding this assumed feature, but it is safe to assume that come Fall, when Apple will release the iOS 7, they will also offer more information and explain the concept better, with demos of iOS games being played with a gamepad.

Some of you probably know that thanks to AirPlay we can already play our iOS games on the big screen. However you will now be able to use your iPhone or iPad as a consoles, playing with a gamepad. Of course, iOS games are not of the same quality of triple A PS3 / Xbox 360 games, but it is still a very big step in the right direction for the iOS platform.