Mac Format Investigates - Is Apple Finally Taking Mac Gaming Seriously?

With the latest developments in software and hardware, it’s finally time to start playing games on the Mac

- Alex Blake

Traditionally, the Mac has not been A the place to go if you want to play games. A combination of integrated graphics chips in most Macs and the general unavailability (or lateness) of headline games to make their way to the platform has pushed gamers onto Windows or even iOS.

But it looks like things are starting to change. There are stirrings, albeit often subtle, that Apple may be warming to the idea of the Mac as a gaming platform. From improved hardware to all-new gaming service opportunities, this may be the best time in years to play games on your Mac.

That’s been emphasized with the brand-new MacBook Pro 16-inch, every iteration of which comes with the most powerful graphics cards ever in a Mac laptop. Apple even has its own gaming platform, Apple Arcade. What’s going on? Is Apple really opening up the Mac to high-end games? We decided to find out.

Arcade hits the big time

If you’ve been paying attention to Apple for the last six months, Apple Arcade can’t have escaped your attention. Apple’s gaming subscription service offers over 100 ad-free games from leading developers, all for £4.99 a month. You can play the games on any of your Apple devices, including on a Mac.

That Apple Arcade is coming to iOS devices isn’t surprising. The iPhone and iPad have long been gaming stalwarts, with Apple prominently showing off its devices’ gaming capabilities at every September event. What’s more unusual is the dedication shown to the Mac.

Apple hasn’t just rounded up a bunch of iOS developers and asked them to port their games to the Mac. Featured developers include Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi and Will Wright, father of The Sims. Apple has clearly sought to make the experience as fulfilling on the Mac as on iOS.