Link: Apple will soon (finally) share its master list of MFi controller-enabled iOS games

Jordan Kahn at 9to5mac reports that Apple is both keeping a list of MFi controller compatible games, and is apparently contemplating making that list public.

Jordan Kahn at 9to5mac reports:

The feature works much like the App Match feature Apple already offers, which prompts users when connecting an accessory to download a companion app or view compatible apps on the App Store. Apple has recently added the same ability for manufacturers creating MFi game controllers. Rather than sending users to a specific app, Apple says implementing the feature will prompt users to visit an Apple-maintained list of supported controller games.

The ability for third-party devices connected over Lightning to prompt users to download an app is not new – technically, MFi controller makers have had the ability to do this the entire time. But with the exception of MOGA promising an app and never delivering it, none of the controller manufacturers seem to have put any effort in on this front. With this solution, presumably they wouldn’t have to – Apple would maintain a section in the store dedicated to cataloging these games.

The first mark agains this rumor is that it implies Apple is keeping a list. Based on what I’ve heard from developers, and what I’ve seen myself digging into metadata on Apple’s servers, Apple never actually collects any information about controller support in games. Unlike Game Center, Passbook, or iCloud, there is no standardized way for developers to actually indicate support exists in their games. If Apple has a list, they’ve presumably built it by scanning compiled game binaries, which would be horribly inaccurate, due to the amount of games with incomplete or broken controller support.

The second mark against this rumor is tied to what I wrote earlier today: Apple is claiming that thousands of games are currently compatible with MFi game controllers. Contrary to what Kahn implies in his 9to5mac report, not ALL third party lists are out of date or inaccurate – we test every game, we use numerous methods to obtain controller compatibility information, and we almost always list every game the day it goes live. And we count 340 games at this time. I really don’t think we’re too far off on that figure. If Apple posts a list containing a few hundred games, it will raise questions about why they claimed thousands a few weeks prior.

The third mark against this rumor is that it implies third party controller makers would need to issue firmware updates in order to allow it. I don’t see why that would be necessary. Apple already knows when a controller is plugged in – all they’d need to do is prompt users with a pop-up the first time a controller is detected. Everything required to implement this functionality seems like it would already be part of iOS.

Ultimately, I’m expecting Apple to continue ramping up their promotion of MFi controllers and MFi controller compatible games. But I’m not so sure that they even have a master game list, let alone that they’re close to sharing it with everyone. It wouldn’t be like Apple to list of hundreds of apps without context, let alone thousands. I’d expect them to curate a selection of “editor’s choice” games with controller support, and perhaps prompt users of MFi controllers to visit that section of the store. But as for a complete list, I’m skeptical. And a complete list of thousands of games with fully implemented MFi controller support? I’d eat my hat if I saw that any time soon.