'Gatekeeper' to restrict Apple users to App Store games by default
Apple's next mac OS update will block games not downloaded from the App Store or made by registered developers.
The move is intended to unify the experience of Mac users, and bring more consistency and security to the platform.
OS X Mountain Lion includes a feature called Gatekeeper that prevents software not registered with Apple from running.
The settings can be altered to allow unregistered products, but those who have built up a library of titles available for the Mac through platforms like Steam may not appreciate having to lower their security settings in order to access software they've already paid for.
Users can also increase security by allowing only App Store products to run, and Apple says the system will help prevent malware from taking root.
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Developers as well may take offense to Apple making it harder for them to release their products on the new OS, but the Game Center for mac, a feature of the new OS already available on iOS, may compensate for this by opening up a range of social features for implementation in games released through the app store.
OS X Mountain Lion will release this summer as a paid update available through the app store.
This isn't as bad as it sounds, though. You can register your apps for free no problem, you'll only need to pay to get into the app store.
From what I've heard, Gatekeeper will come in three different settings. One of them allowing the user to install any unregistered software they wish. I imagine the majority of mac gamers will be reaching for that option as soon as they upgrade to Mountain Lion.
I would not be surprised if they build on this in future updates and the only software you can use on a desktop OS will be that purchased through an app store with a 30% fee.
This is the beginning of a long slow downward trend for Apple.
Probably the stupidest thing they've ever contemplated.
The good news is it means much more competition and choice as we
Transition from Macs to other platforms.
I've been a mad Apple fan for several years now. Just better products,
This is one step too far... Sad
It is easy to see problems ahead. Today you "only" have to be registered, Apple doesn't get a cut.
Then you are set. Their next move is to "increase security" even further, taking a 40% cut on all software sold for Mac, end of story.
This is not encouraging at all.
