For those that are not gaming on the latest console, the other choice for playing AAA-rated games from the best developers has been a Windows-based PC – not a Mac.
Browser-based games like Cleopatra slots will work on a Mac; these don’t require downloads and can be played on mobile devices and PCs as well. However, for the hardcore gamer, the Mac just wasn’t on the radar as a choice; unable to run the games due to the different operating systems, and not built to be upgraded with aftermarket parts like the Windows PC.
However, the stereotypically awful gaming experience that a Mac offered for hardcore gamers might be a thing of the past, thanks to the new M1 Chipset that was introduced in the 2020 edition.
Why Gamers Didn’t Choose a Mac
Macs are considered the top option for many different uses, especially in design-led jobs for example – but those capabilities don’t always translate to being great for gaming.
Traditionally, the Mac has not been the first choice for gamers. Not only is it considerably more expensive than a PC for similar specs, but the lack of personalisation and upgrades for the Mac has also made it much less ‘future-proof’.
Gamers want to be able to add and remove parts of the system to suit their gaming style and games. While Macs can be upgraded in limited ways (usually through peripherals like the display or the mouse), a PC can essentially be completely gutted and remodelled.
When Intel processes were introduced to the Mac, gaming on the Mac became a bit easier; games could be simply ported to the Mac, and the developers who would create games for PC, console and handheld devices would be able to get their games on the Mac without needing to rewrite the code to suit the processor.
Why Might Gamers Choose a Mac Now?
The M-Series Mac, starting with the M1, seemed to be a gamechanger. Not only does it have the graphics capabilities that can handle the AAA games that hardcore gamers want to be able to play, but by late 2023 the Game Porting Toolkit will be available for developers to make it easier for them to get their games to run on the MacOS.
What also makes the M-Series work well is that there are already several popular titles available, where developers have already done the work to make it run on the ARM-based chip, such as:
- World of Warcraft
- Borderlands
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Call of Duty
- Final Fantasy XIV
- Minecraft
- Asphalt 8
Steam also works with the M-Series Macs, but not all games are available yet.
What Mac Set Up Should You Choose?
When looking into the right Mac set up for your needs, you need to consider the same factors as you would for a Windows-based PC set up – having the right processors, the right GPU, and the right amount of memory.
Below is a list of what you should look for.
CPU
The CPU is the processing power; when it comes to the Mac, you need at least 12-core – which you can find in the M2 Max or the M2 Pro – although you can get 24-core CPU in the M2 Ultra (which is obviously better).
GPU
The GPU is the processor that is needed for the images and animation from the games to flow across the screen properly. For may gamers, the GPU must be top notch, especially when playing graphically intense games that won’t work if it glitches. You’ll need at least a 16-core GPU like in the M2 Pro, but the M2 Max offers either 30- or 38-core, while the M2 Ultra can have up to 72-core.
RAM
RAM is the memory that is used to run different things on the Mac concurrently, and ideally you want as much RAM as you can afford. The more RAM, the faster reaction times you’ll have when you are playing. Remember that unlike a PC, you can’t upgrade this later. The M2 Ultra offers up to 192GB of RAM, which would be good enough.
SSD
The hard drive allows you to have enough space to download games, which is important if you are playing the AAA titles. The M-Series Macs offer up to 1TB of SSD, which you should go for if you have the budget.
Display
One thing that the Mac has going for it is that in most cases you won’t need additional displays or monitors – the built-in high resolution Retina display is top notch; although this is one place where you could upgrade if you wanted to.
Extras
If you want to be able to play games on your M-Series Mac that are not yet available in the right code for the M1 chip, then you can get apps that will help. One of these is the Crossover Mac app, built by Codeweavers. This app is designed to translate the x86-64 code for Windows to the ARM64 code for MacOS.
The ultimate setup for a Mac gamer would be the Mac Studio with M2 Ultra – the very top of the range, with a cost that matches.
