Apple’s commitment to high-performance gaming on its devices has been evident through partnerships with AAA game publishers. The simultaneous release of “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” across multiple platforms, including macOS, is a remarkable example of this effort. I tested the game on the new M4 MacBook Air, and even on the base model, it was extremely playable.
The game offers selective ray-tracing at 1080p and 30 FPS on the base M4, while the M3 Pro delivers standard ray-tracing functionality at the same resolution and frame rate. The M4 Pro and M3/M4 Max take it further, offering 1440p at 30 FPS. MetalFX upscaling, Apple’s AI upscaling technology, plays a crucial role in achieving this performance.
Although the experience on the MacBook Air may not match that of a high-end PC or PS5 Pro, the game remains very playable and delivers a genuine next-gen feel. The successful launch of “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” and other titles shows that gaming on Macs and iPhones is not only viable but also promising.
Assassin’s Creed and other gaming titles
The gaming library on the Mac App Store continues to grow with an impressive array of new titles. Each game harnesses powerful technologies like MetalFX Upscaling and the latest M4 family of chips to deliver stunning visuals and dynamic experiences on the Mac. Players can now experience the intertwined stories of Naoe and Yasuke in “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” the newest game in the franchise.
“Resident Evil 3,” which launched earlier this week on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, allows players to relive the horrifying downfall of Raccoon City. “Palworld,” an open-world survival and crafting game, also launched earlier this month on the Mac App Store. Other highly anticipated games, such as “Control Ultimate Edition,” “Wuthering Waves,” “Cyberpunk 2077,” and more, are set to arrive soon on Mac.
These titles promise immersive experiences, leveraging advanced technologies like hardware-accelerated ray tracing and Spatial Audio. With these new releases and upcoming titles, Mac gamers have a wide range of exciting games to look forward to, all powered by the latest advancements in Apple technology. The progress made in AAA gaming on Mac highlights an exciting future for gaming on Apple devices, thanks to the efforts of game publishers pushing the boundaries in this space.
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