Link: Six years after launch, Apple Arcade is striving for a bigger audience

Launched in 2019, Apple Arcade offered a novel concept with around 70 ad-free, premium games, making an immediate impact in mobile gaming. Initially celebrated for innovative titles like What the Golf?, Apple Arcade's offerings have since evolved, focusing less on depth and more on broader, continuous engagement.

Alex Rofman, Apple Arcade's senior director, argues that this shift in focus derives from the need to appeal to Apple's diverse user base. He explains that serving a wide audience necessitates a broad approach in game selection.

In response to user feedback, Apple Arcade expanded its library in 2021 to include classic games like sudoku and chess, as well as popular App Store games like Fruit Ninja and Stardew Valley, stripped of ads and in-app purchases. Rofman highlights that Apple Arcade now boasts over 250 family-friendly games from various genres, constantly adding and updating its selection.

One remarkable success story is Hello Kitty Island Adventure, developed through a partnership between indie developer Sunblink and Sanrio, sparked by Sunblink's earlier high-quality release on Arcade. This collaboration reflects Apple Arcade's growing tendency to align with big, recognizable IPs to draw more attention.

Rofman acknowledges the criticism of the platform's pivot but assures that Apple remains committed to Arcade's long-term success. He emphasizes the company's continued dedication to offering a diverse mix of gaming experiences.

Despite changes and challenges, Rofman expresses optimism about the future of Apple Arcade, teasing "lots of great stuff coming" and encouraging users to stay tuned for new game launches. #

--

Yoooo, this is a quick note on a link that made me go, WTF? Find all past links here.