Apple Arcade: A Double-Edged Sword for Mobile Game Developers
Apple Arcade, while offering a platform for mobile game developers, has reportedly generated significant frustration among its creators. A Mobilegamer.biz report reveals widespread discontent stemming from various platform issues. Let's delve into the developers' experiences.
Developer Concerns with Apple Arcade
The "Inside Apple Arcade" report paints a picture of disillusionment. Developers cite delayed payments, inadequate technical support, and poor game discoverability as major pain points. Some studios reported waiting months for payments, jeopardizing their financial stability. One developer commented, "Securing an Apple deal is arduous. The platform's lack of clear direction and shifting goals are frustrating. Technical support is abysmal."
Another developer echoed these sentiments, highlighting weeks-long communication delays with Apple, with email responses taking three weeks, if received at all. Attempts to clarify product, technical, or commercial questions often resulted in unhelpful or evasive answers.
Discoverability emerged as a critical issue. One developer described their game as languishing in obscurity for two years due to a lack of Apple's support. The rigorous quality assurance (QA) process, demanding thousands of screenshots to cover all device aspects and languages, was also criticized as excessively burdensome.
A Mixed Bag: Positive Aspects and Underlying Issues
Despite the prevalent negativity, some developers acknowledged Apple Arcade's improved focus over time and the significant financial benefits. One developer stated, "Arcade understands its audience better now. If that audience isn't high-concept indie games, that's not Apple's fault. Their focus on family-friendly games benefits both Apple and developers who cater to that market." Many also highlighted the crucial role of Apple's financial support in keeping their studios afloat. One developer noted that Apple's funding fully covered their development budget, a lifeline for their studio's survival.
However, a prevailing sentiment suggests Apple Arcade lacks a cohesive strategy and integration with the broader Apple ecosystem. One developer stated, "Arcade feels like an afterthought, not a genuinely supported part of Apple. Apple clearly doesn't understand gamers; they lack crucial data on player behavior to share with developers." The recurring theme is a perception that Apple treats developers as a "necessary evil," offering minimal support in exchange for their work.
