Apple Arcade, launched with the promise of revolutionizing gaming across Apple’s platforms, offered a subscription model that provided access to a diverse range of games for a fixed price. A key selling point was the absence of additional monetization tactics like loot boxes, microtransactions, or battle passes, aiming to offer a cleaner, more player-friendly experience.
Despite the release of numerous acclaimed titles on the platform, the future of Apple Arcade has become a topic of concern among game developers. In a revealing interview with Mobilegamer.biz, several developers, choosing to remain anonymous, shared their apprehensions about the platform’s sustainability and Apple’s commitment to its original vision.
The concerns stem from a series of actions by Apple, including the cancellation of several projects and a reduction in payments to developers. These moves have significantly impacted the initial perception of Apple Arcade as a lucrative and stable platform for game developers. One developer commented on the decreasing financial incentives, stating, “We’re going to see that amount decrease and decrease until it’s pennies. At that point, putting a game on Arcade starts to become much less viable.”
Further exacerbating the issue, sources claim that Apple has “cancelled a shitload of projects and pissed off a lot of people,” with these cancellations reportedly starting as early as spring 2021. Additionally, the focus seems to have shifted from ordering original games from developers to purchasing games based on already popular brands, signaling a potential move away from innovative, unique content.
This shift in strategy and the reported dissatisfaction among developers raise questions about the future direction of Apple Arcade and its ability to maintain its initial promise of offering a diverse and rich gaming experience free from the common monetization strategies that plague many mobile games today.