The Steam Link app was announced just over a year ago and aimed to let iOS devices stream desktop games. This would let users play the games on their smartphones, away from the computer. Apple rejected the app citing business conflicts. Valve has since removed the ability to buy new games within the iOS app, which is believed to be the cause of the rejection. Today, it was released and can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store [Direct Link]. It requires a computer (Mac or PC) that can run Steam on the same network as your phone, with the Steam Link app installed.
The interesting discussion this brings up is the rejection of the app in the App Store. If being able to buy games using a streaming service is the issue, then where is the line drawn? The PS4 Remote Play app [Direct Link] streams a PS4's video output, which can be used to buy PS4 games. Maybe this doesn't count because it seems the Steam Link doesn't seem to stream an interface. Will Google Stadia be affected, or will it not be a business issue because you're streaming games as part of a subscription, rather than buying them à la carte? Maybe Apple doesn't even realize what apps are capable of this? I'm curious on if this could affect the other apps in question.
The interesting discussion this brings up is the rejection of the app in the App Store. If being able to buy games using a streaming service is the issue, then where is the line drawn? The PS4 Remote Play app [Direct Link] streams a PS4's video output, which can be used to buy PS4 games. Maybe this doesn't count because it seems the Steam Link doesn't seem to stream an interface. Will Google Stadia be affected, or will it not be a business issue because you're streaming games as part of a subscription, rather than buying them à la carte? Maybe Apple doesn't even realize what apps are capable of this? I'm curious on if this could affect the other apps in question.
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