Brown argued that the app store model was highly appealing to developers. If Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) was to bring iTunes to the TV via a souped-up Apple TV set-top box, or full-fledged TV, it could dominate the console gaming market.
Apple’s update to iOS 7 includes support for third-party controllers, and the Cupertino tech giant is widely believed to working on some kind of TV. While Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) might beat Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) to the console market, the Mac-maker probably won’t be far behind.
GameStop’s uncertain future
GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME) shares first tumbled, then rallied, on Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s Xbox One policy. The Xbox One was poised to be a console antagonistic to used games. Selling and trading games was going to be possible, but difficult.
Fortunately for GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME), Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) crumbled under consumer pressure and went back on its stated limitations. Given that GameStop is heavily dependent on the sale of used games, any restrictions placed on this market would be devastating to the company.
However, GameStop’s future remains far from certain. While the traditional console makers may continue to bring it business, the rise of alternative consoles is definitely a threat. The Android-based consoles out there right now are fully digital; consoles from Google and Apple would likely be fully digital as well.
Any GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME) investors should keep a close eye on the popularity of these new consoles. If they steal market share from the traditional console makers, GameStop could be in for a challenge.
2013: the year of the video game console
This year, both Sony Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:SNE) and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) will launch their next generation consoles. And while most might view these devices as the future of gaming, that might not be the case.
Ultimately, the future of gaming could lie with Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL). iOS and Android are already incredibly popular mobile gaming platforms — is the living room next?
Sam Mattera is long GameStop puts dated January 2015. The Motley Fool recommends Apple and Google. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME), and Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG).
The article Google Is About to Completely Change the Video Game Industry originally appeared on Fool.com.
alvatore “Sam” is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network — entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.
Copyright © 1995 – 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
