Apple Arcade: A Mixed Bag for Mobile Game Developers
Apple Arcade, while offering a platform for mobile game developers, has faced significant criticism due to persistent operational issues. A Mobilegamer.biz report reveals widespread developer frustration stemming from various challenges.
Developer Concerns:
A recurring theme in the report highlights the difficulties developers encounter working with Apple Arcade. These include:
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Payment Delays: One indie developer reported a six-month payment delay, jeopardizing their studio's financial stability. The lengthy contract negotiation process was also cited as a major hurdle.
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Subpar Technical Support: Developers consistently reported slow response times (up to three weeks for email replies), unhelpful responses, and a lack of information due to confidentiality concerns.
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Poor Game Discoverability: Many developers felt their games were neglected, lacking visibility within the platform. One developer described their game as being "in a morgue for the last two years" due to a lack of promotion by Apple.
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Burdensome QA Process: The quality assurance and localization process was deemed excessively demanding, requiring the submission of thousands of screenshots to cover all device aspects and languages.
Positive Aspects and Contrasting Views:
Despite the prevalent negativity, some developers acknowledged positive aspects of the platform:
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Financial Support: Several studios highlighted the crucial financial support provided by Apple, stating that without it, their studios might not exist.
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Evolving Focus: Some developers noted a shift in Apple Arcade's focus, suggesting a clearer understanding of its target audience over time. The platform's success with family-friendly games was also acknowledged.
Apple's Misunderstanding of Gamers:
The report strongly suggests a disconnect between Apple and the gaming community. Developers felt Apple lacked a clear strategy for Arcade, viewing it as an add-on rather than a fully integrated part of its ecosystem. A significant criticism was Apple's apparent lack of understanding of its gamers and their interaction with games on the platform.
A Necessary Evil?
The overarching sentiment expressed by many developers is that they are treated as a "necessary evil" by Apple, compelled to meet stringent requirements with minimal reciprocal support. This perception fuels a sense of exploitation, where developers are left feeling undervalued and susceptible to future setbacks.
