Apple Arcade: A Double-Edged Sword for Mobile Game Developers
While Apple Arcade offers 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 significant challenges impacting developers, including payment delays, inadequate technical support, and poor game discoverability.
Frustrations Mount for Apple Arcade Developers
The "Inside Apple Arcade" report paints a concerning picture. Numerous studios cited lengthy delays in receiving payments, with one indie developer reporting a six-month wait that nearly bankrupted their company. Communication with Apple's team is also a major problem, with developers describing weeks or even months of silence, and unhelpful responses when they do receive replies. One developer commented on the difficulties in securing a deal with Apple and the lack of clear direction for the platform.
Discoverability is another significant hurdle. Several developers expressed concern that their games were effectively invisible on the platform, despite Apple's exclusivity agreements. The rigorous quality assurance (QA) and localization processes were also criticized as overly burdensome.
A Mixed Bag: Positive Aspects and Underlying Concerns
Despite the negative experiences, some developers acknowledged positive aspects of Apple Arcade. Several praised Apple's financial support, stating that it was crucial to their studio's survival. Others noted a shift in Apple's focus towards a clearer target audience, though this may not align with all developers' visions.
However, a recurring theme is Apple's apparent lack of understanding of the gaming community and a perceived transactional relationship with developers. The report suggests a disconnect between Apple and its developers, with Apple seemingly lacking a cohesive strategy for Arcade and treating developers as a mere necessity. The lack of data sharing on player behavior further exacerbates this issue. A prevailing sentiment among developers is that Apple treats them as a "necessary evil," prioritizing its own interests over the needs of the developers who contribute to its platform.
