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

Apple Arcade: A Double-Edged Sword for Mobile Game Developers

While Apple Arcade has offered a platform for mobile game developers, a recent Mobilegamer.biz report reveals widespread frustration and disillusionment among those creating games for the service. The report details significant challenges impacting developers' experiences.

Challenges Faced by Apple Arcade Developers

The "Inside Apple Arcade" report highlights several key issues:

• Delayed Payments and Inadequate Support: Developers report substantial delays in receiving payments, with one indie developer citing a six-month wait that nearly jeopardized their studio's survival. Communication with Apple's support team is also problematic, with lengthy response times and unhelpful answers being commonplace. One developer described the support as "miserable."

• Poor Game Discoverability: Many developers express concerns about the lack of visibility for their games on the platform. One developer lamented their game's obscurity, feeling it had been "in a morgue for the last two years" due to a lack of featuring by Apple. The perceived invisibility leads to frustration, especially considering the exclusivity agreements developers sign.

• Burdensome QA Process: The quality assurance (QA) and localization process is described as excessively demanding, requiring the submission of a massive number of screenshots to cover all device aspects and languages.

A Mixed Bag: Positive Aspects and Underlying Concerns

Despite the negative experiences, some developers acknowledge positive aspects:

• Financial Support: Several developers highlight the significant financial benefits received from Apple, stating that Apple's funding was crucial to their studio's survival.

• Evolving Focus: Some believe Apple Arcade has become more focused on its target audience over time, although the ideal audience remains a point of contention.

However, a prevailing sentiment suggests Apple doesn't fully grasp the needs of gamers or developers:

• Lack of Strategic Direction: The platform is perceived as lacking a clear strategy and feeling like an afterthought within the broader Apple ecosystem. One developer stated that Apple "100% does not understand gamers," lacking data on player behavior and interaction with games on the platform.

• Developers as a "Necessary Evil": The overarching feeling among many developers is that they are treated as a "necessary evil," with little reciprocal support or consideration from Apple despite their efforts to meet Apple's demands.