Apple Arcade: A Double-Edged Sword for Mobile Game Developers
While Apple Arcade offers a platform for mobile game developers, a recent Mobilegamer.biz report reveals widespread frustration and disillusionment among its creators. The report, titled "Inside Apple Arcade," highlights significant challenges impacting developers' experiences.
A Mixed Bag: Financial Support vs. Operational Frustrations
The report paints a picture of delayed payments, inadequate technical support, and severe discoverability issues. Multiple studios cited excessively long wait times for payment, with one indie developer reporting a six-month delay that nearly bankrupted their company. Communication with Apple was also a major concern, with developers reporting weeks or even months of silence in response to emails. Requests for product, technical, and commercial information often yielded unhelpful or non-existent replies.
Discoverability proved equally problematic. One developer described their game as being "in a morgue for two years" due to a lack of promotion from Apple. The rigorous quality assurance (QA) process, requiring the submission of thousands of screenshots to cover all device aspect ratios and languages, was also criticized as overly burdensome.
Despite the negative experiences, some developers acknowledged Apple Arcade's improved focus and the significant financial benefits. Several studios stated that Apple's funding was crucial to their survival, covering entire development budgets. One developer even noted that Apple's understanding of its target audience has improved over time.
A Lack of Gamer Understanding
The report suggests a fundamental disconnect between Apple and the gaming community. Developers criticized Apple Arcade's lack of a clear strategy and its perceived status as an afterthought within the broader Apple ecosystem. One developer bluntly stated that Apple "100% does not understand gamers," citing a lack of data sharing regarding player behavior and game interaction.
The prevailing sentiment among developers is that they are treated as a "necessary evil," exploited for their creative output with minimal reciprocal support or consideration. The hope for future projects is often overshadowed by the fear of being "screwed over" again.
