Roger Fingas
One of the most popular games in the world, "Fortnite," could be coming to the Apple TV at some point in the future, code suggests. [Updated with denial by Epic]
A reference to tvOS can be found in the game's code, according to "Storm," a Twitter user specializing in Fortnite leaks. No other details have been shared so far.
#fortnite Fortnite is coming to Apple tvs. tvOS a Apple tv operating system has been found in the files. pic.twitter.com/QBBojQI0SX
— Storm - Fortnite Leaks (@StormLeaks) August 21, 2018
Epic Games' "Fortnite" is a free-to-play game that has succeeded mostly because of its main mode, "Battle Royale," based on another game, "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds." The lack of an entry fee combined with a more family-friendly atmosphere has made Fortnite wildly popular, and the title is now on several platforms including Apple's macOS and iOS.
The inclusion of a tvOS string is not a guarantee that the app will make it to the media streamer. However, it does suggest that Epic is at least considering the possibility.
On the low-end, "Fortnite" requires a A9 processor, as found in the iPhone SE and iPhone 6. So the app, should it materialize, will likely not be restricted to the Apple TV 4K.
Apple's tvOS set-tops have largely failed to take off as a gaming platform, even though they have enough power and support third-party apps. This is likely because of the Siri Remote, which simply doesn't have the controls to handle the actions and movement of a game like Fortnite. If the game was ported, players would essentially be forced to buy a gamepad.
Update: An Epic representative, Nick Chester, said that the company isn't planning a port.
"References to tvOS in the Fortnite files are the result of general Unreal Engine support for the Apple TV platform," he explained on Twitter.
Malcolm Owen
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9 Comments
Apple should really start poaching game developers to bring bigger tittles to iOS and tvOS. I've been interested in buying a Switch, but the device is all plastic and feels cheap. I want to play Castlevania on my iPhone while commuting and then continue on my Apple TV when I get home. It could also be a good opportunity to start licensing out the W1 chips on controllers and other accessories.
I'd like to see this running on an Apple TV 4K with the A10X.
Apple needs to get their act together on gaming and the Apple TV (specifically with game controllers). They've got a fairly capable gaming system in the Apple TV already. They need to take advantage of that.
I would love this. I play a few games on my AppleTV, which with the Steel Nimbus works well - but the lack of good games is such a shame. Apple needs to show the AppleTV some love, and support games. Given how successful games are on the iPhone, I don't understand why they haven't ...
Fortnite should add iOS controller support first.