After Apple announced plans for iOS 7 controller support at their annual WWDC conference, they also announced partnerships with Logitech and Moga to begin development on game controllers for iOS 7 devices. The explosion of game development for iOS devices over the last several years has left developers wondering when support for a controller would be included in iOS. With this announcement, it can be expected that demand for controller-based games will increase after the release of the controllers.
Two concepts for controllers were shown at the conference, both offering up different experiences for the user. The first concept was called the “Form fitting extended gamepad.” This design fit the iPhone 5 into the gamepad, with buttons surrounding the device allowing for both touch and button based gameplay. The other controller design shown was far simpler. Called the “standalone extended gamepad,” the controller looks similar to the Wii’s pro controller, and includes 4 LEDs for allowing multiplayer gameplay. Both controllers feature two analog sticks, a d-pad, four face buttons, four shoulder buttons, and a pause button.
The controllers have been scheduled for an autumn release to the public and will be compatible with iPhones 4, 4S, and 5 as well as iPads 2, 3, 4, and Mini. As gaming becomes an increasingly common presence on smart phones and other mobile devices, controller support has become an important part of mobile gaming experiences on Android. As of this fall, it can be expected that controller support will be an expected part of the development cycle of mobile games for both Android and iOS.
Source: TrustedReviews.com
