Apple Arcade Just "Does Not Understand Gamers" and Frustrates Game Devs

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

While Apple Arcade has offered a platform for mobile game developers, a recent Mobilegamer.biz report reveals widespread frustration and disillusionment among those creating games for the service. The report details a range of issues impacting developers' experiences.

The Challenges Faced by Developers on Apple Arcade

Mobilegamer.biz's "Inside Apple Arcade" report paints a picture of significant dissatisfaction. Developers cite delayed payments, inadequate technical support, and severe discoverability problems as major pain points.

Many studios report excessively long wait times for communication from Apple Arcade. One indie developer described a six-month payment delay that nearly bankrupted their company. The developer commented on the difficulty of securing a deal with Apple, the shifting platform goals, and the poor technical support.

Another developer echoed these concerns, highlighting weeks-long communication blackouts and unhelpful responses when contact is eventually made. Attempts to seek clarification on product, technical, or commercial matters often yield unsatisfactory or incomplete answers due to a lack of knowledge or confidentiality restrictions.

Discoverability is a critical issue. One developer described their game as being "in a morgue for the last two years" due to a lack of promotion from Apple. The developer expressed feeling invisible, despite the exclusivity agreement. The rigorous quality assurance (QA) process, requiring the submission of thousands of screenshots to cover all device aspect ratios and languages, is also criticized as overly burdensome.

A Mixed Bag: Positive Aspects and Underlying Issues

Despite the numerous criticisms, some developers acknowledge a shift in Apple Arcade's focus over time, with a clearer understanding of its target audience. Others highlight the positive impact of Apple's financial support, stating that their studios might not exist without it.

However, the overarching sentiment suggests a lack of direction and integration within the broader Apple ecosystem. One developer described Apple Arcade as a "bolt-on" rather than a fully supported component of the company. A significant criticism points to Apple's apparent lack of understanding of its gaming audience and its inability to share meaningful player data with developers.

The prevailing view is that Apple treats developers as a "necessary evil," relying on their efforts while offering minimal reciprocal support. The hope of future projects often outweighs the frustration of past experiences, perpetuating a cycle of perceived exploitation.