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

Apple Arcade, while offering a platform for mobile game developers, has reportedly caused significant frustration due to various operational issues, according to a Mobilegamer.biz report. This article delves into developers' experiences and perspectives on the platform.

Apple Arcade: Developer Frustrations and Platform Issues

Apple's Support: A Double-Edged Sword

Several studios reported extensive delays in receiving payments, with one indie developer citing a six-month wait that nearly jeopardized their studio's survival. This developer also criticized the difficulty of securing deals with Apple, citing a lack of clear platform direction and consistently shifting goals. Technical support was described as "miserable," with extremely slow response times. Another developer echoed these sentiments, noting weeks-long periods without communication from Apple, and unhelpful responses when contact was eventually made.

Discoverability problems were a major concern. One developer described their game as being "in a morgue for the last two years" due to a lack of promotion from Apple, despite the exclusivity agreement. The rigorous quality assurance (QA) process, requiring the submission of thousands of screenshots to cover all device aspects and languages, was also criticized as overly burdensome.

Despite the negative experiences, some developers acknowledged positive aspects of the platform. One developer noted that Apple Arcade has become more focused on its target audience over time, and another highlighted the significant financial support that enabled their studio's continued operation. "We were able to sign a good deal for our titles which covered our whole development budget," they stated, emphasizing that without Apple's funding, their studio might not exist.

Apple's Lack of Gamer Understanding

The report suggests that Apple Arcade lacks a clear strategy and feels like an add-on rather than an integrated part of the Apple ecosystem. One developer stated, "Apple 100% does not understand gamers – they have little to no info on who plays their games that they can share with developers, or how they interact with games on the platform already." A prevalent sentiment among developers is that Apple treats them as a "necessary evil," providing minimal support in return for their exclusive content.