Arcade's disconnect with gamers irks devs (28)

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 frustration among developers regarding their experiences.

Challenges Faced by Developers

A recurring theme in the report is the lack of effective communication and support from Apple. Developers cite substantial delays in payments, with one indie developer reporting a six-month wait that nearly jeopardized their studio's survival. The report also highlights inadequate technical support, characterized by lengthy response times (weeks, if any response is received) and unhelpful answers to crucial product, technical, and commercial queries.

Game discoverability is another major hurdle. Several developers feel their games are effectively invisible on the platform, despite exclusivity agreements. The rigorous quality assurance (QA) process, requiring the submission of thousands of screenshots to cover all device aspects and languages, is also viewed as excessively burdensome.

Positive Aspects and Mixed Opinions

Despite the numerous complaints, some developers acknowledge positive aspects of Apple Arcade. Several appreciate the financial support received, stating that Apple's funding was crucial to their studio's continued existence. There's also a sense that Apple Arcade's understanding of its target audience has improved over time, although this improvement hasn't necessarily translated into better support for all types of games.

A Lack of Understanding and Strategic Direction

The report suggests a fundamental disconnect between Apple and the gaming community. Developers express concern over Apple's apparent lack of strategic direction for Arcade, viewing it as an afterthought rather than an integral part of the Apple ecosystem. A prevailing sentiment is that Apple lacks a deep understanding of its gamers and their preferences, hindering effective communication and support for developers.

One developer poignantly summarized the situation: Apple treats developers as a "necessary evil," leveraging their work with minimal reciprocal support, creating a cycle of frustration and uncertainty. The overall picture painted by the report is one of significant challenges and unmet expectations, despite the financial benefits some developers have experienced.