Why Apple's Vision Pro Fails to Impress Serious Gamers
Apple's Vision Pro prioritizes work over play, as evident from its launch presentation Despite Apple's reputation in gaming, the Vision Pro is not built with gamers in mind
Apple has finally revealed its highly anticipated mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro, during its annual Worldwide Developer’s Conference. While it comes with a hefty starting price of $3,500, the tech specs are truly impressive. Boasting a custom micro-OLED display with over 23 million pixels, Apple’s powerful M2 chip, and a new R1 chip designed to process external inputs, the Vision Pro surpasses competitors like Meta Quest and PSVR from a computing perspective. However, Apple has made it clear that this headset is not focused on gaming. Unlike the Meta Quests, which were originally marketed as gaming consoles before transitioning into workplace solutions, Apple is taking the opposite approach. The Vision Pro is intended to be the next evolution in modern computing, prioritizing workplace solutions over gaming, similar to how the iPhone revolutionized mobile computing.
Vision Pro is Geared Toward Work, Not Play
The Vision Pro from Apple has made a strong impression, however, its focus on workplace applications was emphasized during its 30+ minute reveal at WWDC 2023. While the device boasts impressive specifications, it requires an external battery and cord which can make it cumbersome for gaming purposes. Although there are still opportunities for gaming, Apple's marketing strategy has targeted employers and workers seeking AR solutions, rather than VR gamers. Notably, Hideo Kojima announced that Death Stranding would be available on the Vision Pro, but this was the only reference to its gaming capabilities. In contrast to Meta's Quest headsets, the Vision Pro's lack of gaming features and high price point indicate that Apple is taking a different direction with this product.
Additionally, Apple's initial presentation focused more on AR features that are useful in a workplace rather than revealing any true VR assets. It's important to note that Death Stranding is not a new VR version of the game, but rather just the console version played on a virtual screen within the Vision Pro's ecosystem. Considering the price point of this headset, it's disappointing that Apple won't be supporting popular VR games such as Beat Saber.
Apple's Gaming Reputation
Despite Apple's numerous accomplishments, they have yet to make a significant impact in the gaming industry. While the popularity of iPhones has brought mobile gaming to the forefront, Apple has failed to produce games that can compete with the likes of the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and even Xbox and PlayStation's mobile and cloud streaming options.
Apple's entry into the gaming space with the launch of Apple Arcade in 2019 was aimed at competing with subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus. However, the service has fallen short due to its limited selection of titles and absence of a clear long-term strategy. Furthermore, several games lose support shortly after their launch on Apple Arcade, leaving users with the impression that it is a place for old games to retire once Apple has made some money from subscriptions.
In addition to the lack of an exclusive library, Apple has a reputation for being unfriendly to third-party game developers. The company's legal battle with Epic Games over revenue sharing is well-known, which led to the removal of Epic's games from Apple devices. Even before that, the Epic Games Launcher was plagued with bugs on Macs. Although users can download Steam for MacOS devices, the game library is severely limited, and the ones available often freeze up during gameplay. With the lack of customization options on Apple's computers, it is evident that desktop gamers are better off purchasing a PC.
From a gaming standpoint, the initial version of the Vision Pro may not position Apple as a major player in the industry. While die-hard Apple fans may find its features worthwhile, the device's focus on luxury over gaming functionality may limit its appeal to serious gamers seeking a more immersive experience. Nonetheless, the potential for Apple to dominate the gaming market still exists and remains a lucrative opportunity for the tech giant to pursue.
