Apple Arcade: A Double-Edged Sword for Mobile Game Developers
Apple Arcade, while offering a platform for mobile game developers, has reportedly caused significant frustration among its creators, according to a Mobilegamer.biz report. This article delves into the developers' experiences and perspectives on the platform.
Mixed Experiences on Apple Arcade
The "Inside Apple Arcade" report reveals widespread dissatisfaction among developers. Key issues highlighted include delayed payments, inadequate technical support, and challenges with game discoverability. Several studios cited lengthy delays in receiving payments, with one indie developer reporting a six-month wait that nearly jeopardized their business. The report also points to unresponsive customer service, with developers experiencing weeks or even months of silence from Apple. Attempts to seek clarification on product, technical, and commercial matters often yielded unsatisfactory or unhelpful responses.
Discoverability and QA Concerns
Discoverability remains a major hurdle. One developer described their game as languishing in obscurity for two years due to a lack of promotion from Apple. The rigorous quality assurance (QA) process also drew criticism, with one developer characterizing it as excessively burdensome, requiring the submission of thousands of screenshots to demonstrate compatibility across various devices and languages.
A Shifting Perspective and Financial Support
Despite the negative feedback, some developers acknowledged a positive shift in Apple Arcade's focus over time, with a clearer understanding of its target audience. Furthermore, many developers recognized the significant financial benefits of partnering with Apple, stating that the funding received was crucial to their studios' survival. One developer noted that Apple's financial support covered their entire development budget, a lifeline that would have otherwise been unavailable.
Apple's Lack of Understanding and Developer Treatment
The report suggests that Apple Arcade lacks a clear strategy and appears to be an afterthought within the broader Apple ecosystem. Developers expressed the belief that Apple lacks a genuine understanding of its gaming audience, failing to provide developers with valuable data on player behavior and engagement. A prevailing sentiment is that Apple treats developers as a "necessary evil," leveraging their work with minimal reciprocal support or consideration.
Conclusion
The experiences of developers on Apple Arcade present a complex picture. While financial support is undeniably beneficial for many, significant concerns remain regarding communication, support, and the overall strategy of the platform. The platform's future success hinges on Apple addressing these issues and fostering a more collaborative and supportive relationship with its developers.
