Steve Troughton-Smith

I honestly hope to see Steam on iOS, with cross-buy, cross-save, and cross-compatibility. We could theoretically see something like Steam's Proton layer add automatic game compatibility with the platform.

Or something like Setapp, with subscription access to bundles of apps.

Alternate app stores aren't simply a bad thing.

Jan 25, 2024 at 6:27pmIvory for Mac
Show threadJean-Francois RoyJan 25, 2024
@stroughtonsmith Would probably require Apple providing Rosetta 2 on i/iPad/tvOS. Other emulators like FEX are not up to snuff for gaming in my experience.
Show threadRick WilliamsJan 25, 2024
@stroughtonsmith Steam and a vibrant emulation ecosystem is 90% what I want out of this.
Show threadRodrigo EscobarJan 25, 2024
@stroughtonsmith Steam for tvOS would be great!
Show threadMarkVJan 25, 2024

@rodrigo @stroughtonsmith As far as I can see, tvOS isn't affected by any of this. It's iOS only.

Which is a shame, because the tvOS store is pretty bad (much worse than the iOS one) and having alternate stores like Steam would be really, really welcome over there.

Show threadRodrigo EscobarJan 25, 2024
@markv @stroughtonsmith but what about game streaming? Is that restricted to iOS and in the EU too? I thought Steam has/had a streaming platform too?
Show threadLeonardo Giovanni ScurJan 25, 2024

@rodrigo @markv @stroughtonsmith Steam's streaming is not like other providers, the game is still downloaded and run on a device you own, it is "just" a very latency optimised remote desktop type deal with a nice console-like UI.

So it basically isn't subject to any of the restrictions other game streaming services have by tying it to monetization directly.

Show threadRhys MorganJan 25, 2024
@stroughtonsmith Ironically, this could be the thing that blows open Mac gaming. If devs actually port to the iPhone via Steam, those same games could be trivially ported to macOS as well.
Show threadAndrew WadeJan 25, 2024
@stroughtonsmith @viticci omg SetApp for iOS take my money.
Show threadKayJan 25, 2024
@stroughtonsmith But with every Steam you also get an Epic 🙈
Show threadCarlosJan 25, 2024
@stroughtonsmith this would be amazing. I hope it happens
Show threadBrian GrinterJan 25, 2024

@stroughtonsmith while they do come across salty about it, it could be a second renaissance of the App Store potentially

How will they spin the decision if it’s a great success?

Show threadJosephJan 25, 2024
@stroughtonsmith Until you have to download WhatsApp etc. from the fucking Meta store. Right now I don't need to add additional spyware get any app, thats not good.
Show threadNamanJan 29, 2024
@r_df_ng @stroughtonsmith The OS restrictions are the same.
Show threadChris WagnerJan 26, 2024
@stroughtonsmith Valve’s Steam? lol
Show threadR.J. FaasJan 26, 2024
@stroughtonsmith I believe Setapp announced a while ago they were going to offer a store - not sure where it stands now
Show threadMehdi KharrazJan 27, 2024
@rjfaas @stroughtonsmith Yeah, back in August . I joined their waitlist at the time but still no news, even after Apple's announcements. https://twitter.com/setapp/status/1691434679973318656
Setapp (@Setapp) on X

📣 Exciting news for iPhone users in Europe! @Setapp, the ultimate app subscription service for macOS and iOS, is planning to launch as an alternative app store! Join the waitlist and be the first to explore: https://t.co/pbpcM5JzvP #Apple #AppStore #DMA #DigitalMarketsAct

X (formerly Twitter)