App Store's Games Service Frustrates Devs

Apple Arcade: A Double-Edged Sword for Game Developers

Apple Arcade, while offering a platform for mobile game developers, has reportedly left many feeling frustrated and disillusioned, according to a Mobilegamer.biz report. This article explores the developers' experiences, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of the platform.

While some studios praise Apple Arcade for its financial support and contribution to their survival, many others express significant concerns. The report details numerous issues, including substantial payment delays, inadequate technical support, and significant discoverability problems.

One indie developer recounted waiting six months for payment, jeopardizing their studio's existence. Another developer reported weeks-long communication delays with Apple, receiving unhelpful or no responses to critical questions. This lack of responsiveness extended across product, technical, and commercial inquiries.

Discoverability emerged as a major point of contention. Developers felt their games were overlooked, with one describing their title as languishing for two years without any promotion. The rigorous quality assurance (QA) process, requiring the submission of thousands of screenshots to cover all device aspects and languages, was also criticized as excessively burdensome.

Despite the prevalent negative feedback, some developers acknowledged a positive shift in Apple Arcade's focus over time, recognizing a clearer understanding of its target audience. Others highlighted the crucial financial assistance provided by Apple, stating that their studios would not have survived without it.

However, a prevailing sentiment suggests Apple Arcade lacks a coherent strategy and sufficient support within the broader Apple ecosystem. Many developers believe Apple doesn't fully grasp the needs of gamers, lacking data to share with developers regarding player behavior and engagement. A recurring theme points to Apple treating developers as a "necessary evil," prioritizing its own interests over the developers' well-being.