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Hideo Kojima reveals on which Apple devices you can play Death Stranding

Hideo Kojima reveals on which Apple devices you can play Death Stranding
Photo by Sora Sagano / Unsplash

At the iPhone 15 presentation, Apple announced that the Pro versions of the smartphone would support a range of popular console games, including Death Stranding. Earlier, during the announcement of macOS Sonoma, game designer Hideo Kojima reported that the director's version of the game would be available on Mac for the first time. Now, in a post on the social network Threads, Kojima has revealed the full list of Apple devices on which the game can be played.

It seems that compatibility is linked to the processors of the gadgets. Declared support for the A17 Pro (iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max) as well as M1 and M2 of all modifications. Yes, we're talking about both Mac and iPad with Apple Silicon. In theory, this means that if Apple TV is released with a more powerful processor, it will also be possible to play AAA games on it, even though the list of them is still limited for now.

In addition to Death Stranding, Resident Evil Village, Resident Evil 4 Remake, and Assassin’s Creed Mirage will also be released on Apple devices. The exact release date is still unknown.

The shift of AAA console games to mobile platforms, especially such a massive player like Apple, can signify the convergence of technologies and the evolution of gaming. This move will make it more accessible for a broader audience who do not own traditional gaming consoles.

Kojima's choice to support Apple's devices can be seen as an affirmation of Apple's technical capabilities to handle such graphically intensive games. This will not only expand the potential audience for game developers but also attract more console gamers to Apple's ecosystem.

Apple's push into this segment is also a strategic move to compete with other platforms like Google Stadia and Microsoft's Project xCloud, which are working to bring high-end gaming to mobile and other non-console devices.

However, the success of this venture will largely depend on the performance of these games on Apple devices. Users expect the same level of graphical detail, smoothness, and immersive experience as they get on their consoles. Any compromise can lead to skepticism and reluctance in adopting mobile as a viable gaming platform for AAA games.

Besides the game's performance, there are other challenges that Apple and game developers need to address. One of the significant challenges is the controls. Console games are primarily designed with joystick controls in mind. Adapting them for touchscreens without compromising the gameplay will be crucial. While there are external game controllers available for iOS devices, not every user might have them, so ensuring the game is equally enjoyable with touch controls will be essential.

Moreover, these games are generally large in size, often taking up tens of GBs of storage. Given that Apple devices, especially iPhones and iPads, don't support external storage, users will need to be mindful of the storage constraints. Apple might need to rethink its storage tiers for devices or encourage users to adopt higher storage models.

Another potential hurdle could be the price point. Console games are not cheap, and if Apple plans to charge similar prices for mobile versions, they might face resistance from users who are not accustomed to paying such amounts for mobile games.

Regardless of these challenges, the announcement is an exciting development for the gaming community. It brings the promise of high-quality gaming to a device that's always with us, changing the dynamics of when and where we can play our favorite titles. As technology continues to advance, it will be fascinating to see how the lines between console and mobile gaming continue to blur.

In conclusion, Apple's venture into supporting AAA games on its devices is a bold and exciting move. While there are challenges to overcome, the potential benefits for both game developers and players are vast. As we wait for more details and the actual release of these games, the gaming community is abuzz with anticipation and speculation. Only time will tell if Apple can truly make a mark in this new domain of mobile gaming.