Gamers & Game Devs Frustrated by Apple Arcade

Apple Arcade: A Double-Edged Sword for Game Developers

Apple Arcade, while offering a platform for mobile game developers, has reportedly caused significant frustration due to various operational issues. A Mobilegamer.biz report reveals widespread discontent among developers regarding their experiences with the platform.

Developer Concerns with Apple Arcade

A recent "Inside Apple Arcade" report paints a picture of disillusionment. Developers cite delayed payments, inadequate technical support, and poor game discoverability as major pain points.

The report highlights lengthy delays in receiving payments, with one indie developer claiming a six-month wait that nearly bankrupted their studio. Another developer described communication challenges, reporting weeks-long periods without contact from Apple and unacceptably long response times to emails. Requests for product, technical, and commercial information often went unanswered or received unhelpful responses.

Discoverability emerged as a significant concern. One developer described their game as being "in a morgue for two years," due to a lack of promotion from Apple. The rigorous quality assurance (QA) process, requiring the submission of thousands of screenshots to demonstrate compatibility across all devices and languages, was also criticized as excessively burdensome.

A More Nuanced Perspective

Despite the prevalent negativity, some developers acknowledged positive aspects of the platform. Several noted that Apple Arcade's focus has sharpened over time, better understanding its target audience. The financial support provided by Apple was also praised, with one developer stating that their studio would not exist without Apple's funding.

Apple's Lack of Understanding

The report suggests a lack of strategic direction and integration within the broader Apple ecosystem. One developer described Apple Arcade as a "bolt-on" rather than a fully supported initiative. A recurring theme was Apple's perceived lack of understanding of its gaming audience, hindering effective communication and collaboration with developers.

The prevailing sentiment among developers is that they are treated as a "necessary evil," exploited for their work with minimal reciprocal support or consideration. This perception of being undervalued fuels the ongoing frustration within the developer community.