Apple Arcade Just \"Does Not Understand Gamers\" and Frustrates Game Devs

Apple Arcade: A Mixed Bag for Mobile Game Developers

Apple Arcade, while offering a platform for mobile game developers, has faced significant criticism due to various operational issues, according to a Mobilegamer.biz report. This article delves into the experiences of developers working within the Apple Arcade ecosystem.

Developer Frustrations with Apple Arcade

A recent "Inside Apple Arcade" report reveals widespread frustration among developers. Key issues highlighted include payment delays, inadequate technical support, and challenges with game discoverability.

Several studios reported extensive delays in receiving payments, with one indie developer citing a six-month wait that nearly jeopardized their business. The report also notes significant delays in communication with the Apple Arcade team, with some developers waiting weeks or even months for responses to emails. Requests for product, technical, or commercial information often yielded unsatisfactory or incomplete answers.

Discoverability problems are another major concern. One developer described their game as being "in a morgue" due to a lack of promotion from Apple. The stringent quality assurance (QA) process, requiring the submission of thousands of screenshots to cover all device aspect ratios and languages, was also criticized as excessively burdensome.

A More Nuanced Perspective

Despite the negative feedback, the report also acknowledges some positive aspects of Apple Arcade. Some developers noted a perceived improvement in Apple's understanding of its target audience over time, and several praised Apple's financial support, stating that it had been crucial to their studios' survival. One developer stated that Apple's funding had covered their entire development budget.

Apple's Lack of Understanding of Gamers

The report suggests a fundamental disconnect between Apple and its game developers. One developer stated that Apple Arcade lacks a clear strategy and feels like an afterthought within the broader Apple ecosystem. A recurring theme is Apple's perceived lack of understanding of gamers and their preferences, hindering effective communication and collaboration.

The prevailing sentiment among many developers is that Apple treats them as a "necessary evil," prioritizing its own interests over the needs and concerns of the developers who contribute to the platform's success.