Several game creators are voicing their apprehensions regarding the trajectory of Apple Arcade, Apple's subscription-based gaming service. Insights gathered by Mobilegamer.biz from various sources highlight a growing unease following Apple's decision to halt certain projects, slash developer payments, and shift focus away from pioneering titles.
Initially, after its 2019 debut, Apple Arcade seemed promising with lucrative upfront payments ensuring profitability for most games from the outset. However, these payments have been on a decline, alongside a reduction in per-play bonuses that were once quite generous. A developer remarked on the diminishing returns, suggesting that the viability of participating in Apple Arcade is waning.
In a significant pivot during spring 2021, Apple reportedly terminated numerous projects, causing discontent within the developer community. This shift in strategy has led to a preference for family-friendly, licensed titles over original content, leaving some developers puzzled about the service's future direction. The sentiment of uncertainty was palpable among those considering Apple Arcade for their games, with one developer sensing a "smell of death" surrounding the service.
Despite these challenges, there's talk of Apple contemplating a revamp of Apple Arcade, especially in light of Netflix's foray into the gaming subscription arena. Some developers still report positive experiences, crediting Apple Arcade with making premium games a viable option on mobile platforms.
This unfolding scenario paints a complex picture of Apple Arcade's future, balancing between innovation struggles and potential revitalization efforts.
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