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 several persistent issues, as detailed in a Mobilegamer.biz report. This article explores developers' experiences and perspectives on the platform.

Apple Arcade: Developer Frustration and Platform Problems

Apple's Support, Despite Platform Issues, Keeps Some Studios Afloat

Mobilegamer.biz's recent "Inside Apple Arcade" report paints a picture of widespread frustration among developers working with Apple's gaming subscription service. The report highlights significant problems, including delayed payments, inadequate technical support, and considerable challenges with game discoverability.

Multiple studios reported extensive delays in receiving payments from Apple, 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, the lack of a clear platform vision, and the poor quality of technical support. Another developer echoed these sentiments, describing weeks of radio silence from Apple and response times exceeding three weeks, if a response was received at all. Attempts to seek clarification on product, technical, or commercial matters often yielded unhelpful or vague responses due to apparent knowledge gaps or confidentiality concerns.

Discoverability proved another major point of contention. One developer described their game as languishing in obscurity for two years due to a lack of Apple's support and promotion. The rigorous quality assurance (QA) process also drew criticism, with one developer describing the submission requirements as excessively burdensome, involving the submission of thousands of screenshots to cover all device aspect ratios and languages.

Despite the prevalent negativity, some developers acknowledged a perceived improvement in Apple Arcade's focus over time and the undeniable financial benefits of the platform. One developer noted that Apple Arcade funding was instrumental in keeping their studio operational, covering their entire development budget. Another pointed out that Apple Arcade's target audience seems more clearly defined now than it was initially.

Apple's Lack of Gamer Understanding

The report suggests that Apple Arcade lacks a cohesive strategy and appears insufficiently integrated into the broader Apple ecosystem. One developer described it as a "bolt-on" rather than a fully supported initiative. A common sentiment was that Apple lacks a deep understanding of its gamer base, with developers reporting a lack of data sharing regarding player behavior and interactions with games on the platform.

However, the overarching feeling amongst developers is that Apple treats them as a "necessary evil," with one developer stating that the company expects developers to exert significant effort for minimal reward, hoping for future projects—and opportunities for further perceived mistreatment.