Cascadia’s Game Dock Could Be An iOS Game Changer

For years since it was started, the iOS App Store has become a bigger platform for developers of all kinds than even Apple ever thought possible.

For years since it was started, the iOS App Store has become a bigger platform for developers of all kinds than even Apple ever thought possible. Over a billion apps have been downloaded, and by far and away, the most popular apps are games. Who makes the most popular of those popular games? Indie developers! By that logic at least, iOS could become a flagship console for indie developers to make their mark on, what’s the problem then?

To put it simply, Apple is the problem. After noting the success games have had on the App Store, journalists have asked the computing giant if they were interested in taking a bigger role in the gaming world. With the millions of games released to date on iOS and given their success with iFans everywhere, you’d think it was the next logical step for things. Despite that, Apple has answered each time it was asked with a firm and simple, “No.”

Despite some speculation, it’s hard to say that Apple has done little if anything to provide a greater pedestal for game developers on the App Store, so you might think the story would end there. Nope, no problem, it takes a lot of resourcefulness to be an indie developer, so who better to take a stand on Apple’s behalf than an indie developer?

Cascadia Games — the makers of the League of Evil and Cavorite — are in the process of throwing down the gauntlet: literally shipping a console for iOS developers to have and showcase their talents on. It’s called the Game Dock , a light and almost-portable dock for your iPhone, Pad or Pod. Once attached, the Game Dock allows owners to play iOS games limited to two action buttons directly on their televisions. The system turns your device into a cartridge, allowing you to kick back on the sofa and enjoy to your heart’s content. Up to two players may compete on the Game Dock , and even at release, it will support any game that is compatible with the iCade system. It all reminds me of the DreamCast, and how some games came with little 8-bit versions of themselves playable on the DreamCast memory card…except this actually looks like it works.

Though the Game Dock is not a reality quite yet, it is on Kickstarter as we speak, just waiting to be brought to life and give iOS developers the console they have been waiting for. With this system that further blurs the lines between what is a “mobile” and “console” game, Cascadia has a chance to really raise iOS development to the next level, so if you want to really turn your iDevice into a console, think about lending your support.

For more information on the Game Dock , check out its page on Kickstarter.