Is Apple Creating a Game Console with Valve?
Apple CEO Tim Cook was reportedly seen recently at the offices of game software heavyweight Valve, according to Cult of Mac. The site posits that this unusual personal appearance must indicate something significant, suggesting a potential Apple foray into serious gaming. But in what capacity, exactly?
The most "out there" explanation that's been circulating is that, in addition to its rumored "smart" HDTV, Apple might be secretly developing a game console in conjunction with Valve. This might be somewhat encouraged by the already existing assumptions that Valve itself is developing gaming hardware. Cult of Mac believes the console will feature motion-sensor technology and make use of Apple's voice command assistant, Siri.
As dealnews readers are well aware, Valve is the company behind the online gaming store Steam, which (interestingly enough) is often in direct competition with the Mac App Store. (Valve offers far more titles, of course.) Some suggest that the meeting of minds might actually result in a game for iOS or game streaming on the potential iTV. In either scenario, it will be interesting to see if the result is a combined delivery system for game downloads, which Valve arguably does much better.
Game-savvy readers, are you excited about the prospect of an Apple / Valve mashup? Do you think Apple's involvement in a game console will result in a watered down system for "light" gamers, or bring gaming into a new realm of possibilities? Sound off in the comments.
I have to say that it is more likely that he went to discuss making the Steam client and games more compatible (especially with the release of Mountain Lion coming up), but my hope is that they would make a System together.
Please let it be so.