Game developers have voiced strong criticism against Apple Arcade for its lack of clear communication and support. Many say they struggle with delayed payments and poor technical help, making it tough to keep their studios running.
Some developers even described the relationship with Apple as challenging, with very little support or recognition from the tech giant despite its large role in the gaming industry.
(Photo : Apple Arcade / Screenshot taken from the official website)
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Apple Arcade Faces Developer Criticism
Many game developers are frustrated with Apple Arcade, claiming the platform fails to provide the necessary communication and support for successful game development.
In recent reports, several developers have had difficulty getting timely responses from Apple, with some waiting weeks to hear back on critical product, technical, and commercial inquiries.
Developers also told Kotaku that the tech giant's vague goals and unclear platform focus add to the confusion, making it challenging to align their game development strategies with Apple's shifting priorities.
Initially, Apple Arcade seemed promising with its up-front payments and a vision to offer exclusive, ad-free gaming experiences. However, the reality has proven difficult for many studios relying on Apple for support and visibility in the competitive gaming market.
One of the more troubling aspects highlighted in these reports is the lengthy payment delays, which have significantly impacted smaller indie studios.
One developer shared that waiting up to six months for payments almost forced their studio to close. This issue, combined with Apple's lack of promotional efforts, has left many games unnoticed, as if "in a morgue for the last two years," as one developer put it.
Apple Support Challenges Grow
Aside from that, the technical support provided by Apple has been described as insufficient, with developers needing help with a cumbersome quality assurance and update process.
The requirement to submit thousands of screenshots for a single update exemplifies the bureaucratic hurdles developers face, further emphasizing the platform's need for developer-friendly processes.
Despite these challenges, some developers acknowledge that their projects might not have been possible without Apple's financial backing. This has created a complex relationship where developers feel dependent on Apple yet dissatisfied and undervalued.
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