The Rise of the Apps: Changing Face of Gaming

iOS and Androids are becoming more popular but most of these games are merely casual and hardcore gamers like myself still depend on the advanced hardware of home consoles. Apps are easy to load and can be played with a touch of the icon. I do however have some concerns that can be easily reformed sometime later on such as ability of hardcore gaming, more data capabilities, and controls.

For games, most are either casual or hardcore games from years ago such as Grand Theft Auto III. Developers have more limits on what they can do for apps as of now but including more app style consoles could change the format of home consoles as we know it. Home consoles could grow smaller and have the ability of apps and PCs. If apps are replacing consoles, then to save home consoles and PCs hardcore games must be made to be integrated with apps and PCs so apps can be upgraded from portable to PC playability.

Most app games use touchscreen controls which is a problem for many gamers as there for certain games should be a choice in this. Hardcore gamers are usually accustomed to button controls with some PC gamers favoring mouse and keyboard controls. I like the Wii U Gamepad design since it include both button functionality plus a touchscreen. Wikipad is a gaming tablet that has the same button functionality as an Xbox 360 controller. If apps are going to be for more hardcore gamers, they should have the same function of controls as Wikipad and Wii U Gamepad. After all, Wii U's saving grace is it's Wii U Gamepad.

Plus, what about titles such as Grand Theft Auto V? Where shall such be able to fit in on iOS/Androids. Ordinary tablets could be used as second screens or dashboards which gives tablets and smartphones an enhancement feature in gameplay. PC/Console hardware will have to play a role in hardcore games before iOS and Androids can become the main media outlet.

What's the plan here? Integrating the conveniences of both PC, Console, and Apps plus PC hardware can elevate the status of iOS and Androids from being merely handhelds to convenient PC/Home Consoles. There are only a few somewhat hardcore games such as Need For Speed Most Wanted and Grand Theft Auto III. GTA III was hardcore when it came out but today it is more of a classic game from PS2.