2023-06-13 12:01:04
Since its inception, Apple has always dragged its feet when it comes to video games. It’s not that there aren’t any games on the Mac, but there are definitely fewer of them and the platform is less optimized for gaming compared to its main competitor, Windows. However, significant changes are underway and the long-awaited transformation may be in sight.
Apple has long been considered the underdog of the gaming world. The notorious absence of major titles on the Mac platform and the absence of computers specifically designed for gaming has helped to reinforce this image. But could the tide turn? The answer is both yes and no.
The hardware issue
Apple has already begun the transition to a more competitive gaming platform by introducing higher-quality integrated GPUs in its Apple Silicon systems-on-chips (SoCs). These enhancements provide substantial computing performance for an integrated GPU (iGPU). Apple Silicon chips, whether M1 or M2, are unquestionably good performers, especially for tasks like video encoding and decoding.
Although SoC technology offers advantages in terms of energy saving and component integration, it nevertheless presents significant challenges in terms of performance which currently remains well below what dedicated graphics cards offer.
This touches on the thorny issue of Apple’s move from Intel to Apple Silicon. John Ternus, head of hardware engineering at Apple, recently brought up the issue of dedicated GPUs, whether internal or external. Current solutions, developed by Intel, AMD or Nvidia, allow hardware upgrades.
Apple’s SoCs, on the other hand, unify the CPU and GPU, limiting flexibility and scalability. Their architecture is more like that of smartphones: compact, but lacking space for additional elements. The comparison with a Parisian apartment illustrates quite eloquently the space constraint that Apple faces with its systems on chip (SoC).
If we imagine a SoC as a small Parisian apartment, its compact and optimized architecture is its main asset in Paris, but also its main limitation. In a cramped apartment, every square centimeter is precious. It is therefore necessary to optimize the space to make it as functional as possible, just like in a SoC where every transistor counts.
However, in a Parisian apartment, it is difficult to add an additional room, such as a room for teleworking or a room dedicated to gaming. Likewise, it’s nearly impossible to add major functionality to an SoC without redesigning the entire layout.
So, although Apple’s SoCs offer impressive performance for their size, they remain limited by their compact architecture, much like a small Parisian apartment. For Apple to compete with dedicated GPUs, it will need to find a way to overcome this space and performance constraint. Apple therefore has a long optimization work to do on its Apple Silicon chip to obtain the bandwidth of dedicated GPUs and create an interface for communication with GPUs.
The software issue
Along with hardware improvements, Apple began offering software tools to make it easier to develop games on macOS. At the last Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), the company announced the release of a new “Game Porting Toolkit”.
This tool is designed to facilitate the porting of games to Mac Apple Silicon. In addition, the new macOS Sonoma, which will be launched in the fall, will integrate a new game mode. This game mode will temporarily prioritize CPU and GPU performance to improve the gaming experience.
Making it easier to port games to Mac is a laudable move from Apple. However, it must be remembered that a port is still a port. In other words, the game was not originally designed for this platform. A port can therefore potentially involve a loss of performance or a game experience different from that intended by the developers.
Indeed, there are a multitude of APIs, technologies, specific optimizations and different techniques that are used in game development. There are also many 3D engines, each with its own quirks. The porting task requires an understanding and mastery of all these variables, which makes the process long and complex.
The road to a high-performance gaming platform for Mac therefore seems difficult. Of course, it would be wrong to say that it is an impossible mission. However, given the technical and logistical challenges involved, one can only wonder if this is truly feasible. For now, the reality is that Macs are falling far behind their competition when it comes to gaming, despite Apple’s best efforts.
Optimism is certainly a good thing, but the magnitude of the challenge should not be underestimated.
So, what to do when you are a video game enthusiast with a Mac?
Do not be depressed, several options are available to you:
- Cloud Gaming: Many cloud gaming platforms, such as Nvidia GeForce Now or Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming (with Game Pass Ultimate), offer a catalog of varied games accessible on several devices, including Macs. Thanks to this technology, the game is executed on a remote server, eliminating the need for a powerful machine for gaming.
- Dedicated hardware: For an optimal gaming experience, purchasing hardware specifically designed for video games can be a good idea. Devices such as Valve’s Steam Deck or the Asus ROG Ally deliver high-level gaming performance. Additionally, traditional game consoles, such as Microsoft’s Xbox Series X or Sony’s PlayStation 5, continue to deliver a high-quality gaming experience with exclusive titles.
- Older or indie games: If you prefer to stick with your Mac, you can always turn to older titles that have been ported to the Mac or indie games, in 2D or 3D. While these games don’t necessarily require the latest state-of-the-art hardware to play, they can still provide a rewarding and entertaining gaming experience.
Ultimately, even though the Mac isn’t the most capable gaming platform, there are still ways for gamers to enjoy their favorite titles. The key is to find the solution that best suits your needs and preferences.
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