Game Center

Game Center is a software service provided by Apple Inc. that allows users to play and challenge friends when playing online multiplayer social gaming network games. Game Center can also track a player's score on a leaderboard, compare achievements, and start a multiplayer game.

History

Game Center was announced during an Apple Special Event on April 8, 2010 and was released on September 8, 2010 with the iOS 4 update. Originally, Game Center was only available on iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad, but it was added to Mac with the release of OS X Mountain Lion in 2012.

Features

Game Center allows users to invite friends to play a game, start a multiplayer game through matchmaking, track their achievements, and compare their high scores on a leaderboard. Users can also add friends and send friend requests through Game Center.

Compatibility

Game Center is available on iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, and Mac. It requires the user to be logged into their Apple ID to use the service. Some games may not be available in all countries or regions.

Criticism

Game Center has been criticized for its lack of game discovery features, its reliance on specific game titles to use the service, and for the lack of social features compared to other gaming networks like Xbox Live and PlayStation Network.

See also

• List of iOS games
• List of Mac games
• Apple Arcade