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

Apple Arcade, while offering a platform for mobile game developers, has also generated significant frustration among its creators, according to a Mobilegamer.biz report. This article delves into the developers' experiences and perspectives on the platform.

Developer Concerns with Apple Arcade

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

Multiple studios reported lengthy delays in receiving payments, with one indie developer citing a six-month wait that nearly bankrupted their business. The report also details slow response times from Apple Arcade's support team, often exceeding three weeks, and frequently unhelpful responses to inquiries.

Discoverability problems were a recurring theme, with one developer describing their game as being "in a morgue" due to a lack of promotion from Apple. The stringent quality assurance (QA) and localization processes were also criticized as overly burdensome.

A Mixed Bag: Positive Aspects and Underlying Issues

Despite the negative feedback, some developers acknowledged positive aspects. Several noted that Apple Arcade has become more focused on its target audience over time and praised the platform's financial support, which proved crucial for the survival of some studios.

However, the report suggests a fundamental disconnect between Apple and its game developers. A lack of clear strategy, poor integration within the broader Apple ecosystem, and a perceived lack of understanding of the gamer audience were major criticisms. Several developers expressed the feeling that they are treated as a "necessary evil" by Apple, valued only for their contribution to the platform's content.