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 reportedly caused significant frustration among its creators. A Mobilegamer.biz report reveals widespread discontent stemming from various issues impacting developer experience.

The report, titled "Inside Apple Arcade," highlights concerns including payment delays, inadequate technical support, and poor game discoverability. Several studios detailed prolonged waits for payment, with one indie developer citing a six-month delay that nearly jeopardized their business. The same developer criticized Apple's shifting goals and described technical support as "miserable." Another developer echoed these sentiments, reporting weeks-long communication delays and unhelpful responses from Apple.

Discoverability proved another significant hurdle. One developer described their game as being "in a morgue for two years" due to a lack of Apple's support. The rigorous quality assurance (QA) process, requiring the submission of thousands of screenshots to demonstrate compatibility across various devices and languages, was also criticized as excessively burdensome.

Despite the negative feedback, some developers acknowledged positive aspects. Several appreciated Apple's financial support, stating that funding from Apple Arcade had been crucial to their studio's survival. Others noted that Apple Arcade's understanding of its target audience had improved over time, adapting its focus towards family-friendly games.

However, the prevailing sentiment suggests a lack of direction and integration within the broader Apple ecosystem. Developers felt Apple Arcade lacked a clear strategy and felt like an afterthought rather than a fully supported initiative. One developer bluntly stated that Apple "100% does not understand gamers," citing a lack of data sharing regarding player behavior and interaction with games on the platform. The overall feeling among many developers was that they are treated as a "necessary evil," valued only for their contributions while receiving minimal reciprocal support.