New Game Center makes Mac-to-iPhone, iPad gaming a reality

Game Center, the mobile social game network made by Apple specifically for iOS devices, just made one more step toward trouncing the competition. During the company's 23rd annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote address, Apple's Craig Federighi revealed that Game Center is headed to the latest iteration of OS X for Mac: Mountain Lion.

More importantly, however, Federighi showed off just what makes this update so special: cross-platform play between OS X and iOS devices through Game Center--both turn-based and in real time. According to CNET's live blog of the event, players can go head-to-head between Macs or between Macs, iPhones and iPads.

Of course, gamers using AirPlay to mirror their MacBook or iOS device's display to a larger display will also get to play with their friends via Game Center. Federighi showed as much during a demonstration of an upcoming version of CSR Racing made by Natural Motion set to launch on Mac and iOS this summer.

The new Game Center will likely launch with Mountain Lion for Mac-based computers, which will roll out this July for $19.99. Cross-platform play has been a major push point for game companies, many of which either looking to services such as GREE and Mobage to provide or simply doing it themselves. Now Apple has done every game maker that service with this update. Did Apple just win the mobile game network wars? Not so fast, but we'll see whether it comes close this July.

Are you excited for Mac-to-iOS gaming this summer? What games do you hope take advantage of the feature first? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.