The latest information from Apple App Programming Guide indicates that user games must support the Apple TV remote as opposed to just a controller.
According to Touch Arcade, new games and apps developed for the new Apple TV should have in-built support for the Apple TV touch screen remote without compelling the user to buy extra peripherals like an MFi remote. The requirement seems fair since it would be irrational to develop a game that cannot be played as soon as it comes out of the box.
However, the Apple TV will accept third party Bluetooth controllers, making the device a more fascinating gaming console possibility than ever before, Tech Times reported. In addition, the Apple TV remote's built-in touch and motion-based controls will motivate developers to be more innovative with their games and apps, as well as the designs of their controller.
While there are intelligent controls on the Apple TV remote as a media browser, developers will be constrained in the event they want to develop more sophisticated control schemes that the Apple TV remote will not handle.
Touch Arcade said, "There will be games that will have control schemes that are too complicated for the remote. What if Apple rejects apps that feature terrible controls for the remote, designed only to achieve the bare minimum functionality? Or developers with complicated controls decide to skip making their app compatible with the Apple TV because it won't be worth it? Ideally, we don't want to get to a point where games aren't coming to the Apple TV, or being actively rejected, because they won't fit the remote."
The Apple TV remote sports a touchpad and motion-based controls but lack physical buttons that are essential for gaming.