Pundit Jim Dalrymple says the news is faux, but it may an ounce of truth to it

Mar 30, 2013 15:05 GMT  ·  By

A crazy rumor has emerged this weekend saying Apple has featured a presence at the Games Developer Conference (GDC 2013) this year “booked under a pseudonym company name to avoid media attention.”

PocketGamer.biz cites multiple developer sources who reportedly confirmed “Apple will release its own dedicated game controller,” at a special event next month.

Reputable Apple pundit Jim Dalrymple gave his famous “nope” verdict on the rumor. However, it could be at least half true. Bear with us for a few more paragraphs.

While Apple may not be developing its own game controller, the company could well have prepared an API (application programming interface) for iOS developers to employ when designing their own, third-party controllers.

Think about it. The Apple TV is nototiously-well positioned in living rooms around the world running a variant of Apple’s iOS operating system which simply begs for access to the hundreds of thousands of games available on the iTunes Store.

All the box needs is basically just a compelling controller that can turn it into a gaming console, opening the door to an endless revenue stream for Apple (the licensee) and certified developers.

Apple’s MFi licensing program allows third parties to “get the hardware components, tools, documentation, technical support, and certification logos needed to create AirPlay audio accessories and electronic accessories that connect to iPod, iPhone, and iPad.”

The same system could be applied to game controllers. All Apple would have to do is open up access in iOS 7 for the APIs to take effect.

Games could either be played on iPhones and iPads and beamed to the Apple TV via Airplay, or they could be played on the set-top box downright, should the Apple TV itself gain access to the App Store.

For the second scenario, Apple would have to upgrade the processor, memory and storage. This crazy rumor suddenly sounds awfully plausible.