Once again, Apple blocks iOS users from something good for their own greedy reasons.
You won’t be using an iOS device to play Steam games anytime soon. However, if you’re on Android, you’re in luck. Valve’s Steam Link app allows gamers to access their Steam library on their Android devices, as long as they’re connected via WiFi or Ethernet to the same network as their computer. What use does this have, if you still have to be at home where your computer is? Simple, it’s the very reason I prefer to play my games on consoles. No, it’s not just the fact that my favorite game is a PS4 exclusive, it’s the fact that I like sitting on my couch and relaxing while playing a game. Gaming is a way to blow off steam (pun intended), or entertain myself. It’s not something I’m willing to hunch over a keyboard and mouse for. Many gamers are just like me.
Steam Link would allow players like me to stream their computer games to their Android phone or TV devices, making their computer a mobile console. Players could use Android-compatible controllers, which includes most console controllers, and could relax anywhere to play their games. While Valve made their Steam Link app for the App Store, and Apple initially approved it, Apple changed their mind. Steam Link is banned from the App Store, likely indefinitely.
But Why?
Apple cited “business conflicts” for banning the Steam Link app. This means that the app doesn’t necessarily break any App Store rules, but Apple’s putting their foot down anyway. Developers at Valve worked hard to bring Steam to mobile, even added MFi controller support, but Apple changed their mind, throwing their hard work into the wastebasket.
How could Apple be so cruel? They likely saw Steam as another source of income that they’re missing out on. Since Apple can’t get their 30% cut from sales on Steam, and since the games can be played on iOS devices, Apple wants to prevent their users from having another option for games on iOS. Many other apps do this, requiring users to subscribe or buy items outside of the app, but because Steam Store games could cut into sales of App Store games, Apple has put their foot down.
Maybe Someday?
There’s hope, Apple may decide to allow Steam Link into the store, or may decide they need a cut of sales. Apple did eventually allow Spotify and Amazon Prime Video into the App Store, which they initially blocked for the exact same reason. It seems Apple would rather ruin the experience for their users than allow potential profits to sneak away, even though, in the case of Steam, users wouldn’t have purchased those games on iOS anyway, as they’re not available. Apple’s iOS had been seen as the best mobile operating system for gaming, but with their refusal to comply with how users want to play games, they may change this.
Source: Nathan Grayson, Kotaku