With Apple’s flagship Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) just weeks away, the company is signaling a stronger focus on mobile gaming opportunities.
Apple already offers Apple Arcade, a subscription-based service that gives users access to a variety of mobile games, including popular titles like Stardew Valley. According to a Digital Trends report, Apple is taking a further step by acquiring its first game development studio, RAC7, the creator of the well-known Apple Arcade game Sneaky Sasquatch. This move aligns Apple with other major players investing heavily in mobile gaming, such as Netflix, which launched Netflix Games in 2021 and has acquired several game studios to support its cloud gaming platform for subscribers.
A New Gaming Hub in iOS 19
Bloomberg has confirmed reports from 9to5Mac that Apple is developing a dedicated gaming app for iOS 19. This new app will replace the current Game Center and will integrate closely with Apple Arcade. It will include features like leaderboards, personalized game recommendations, gaming challenges, and social tools to enhance multiplayer experiences. There are indications that the app will connect with iMessage and FaceTime to facilitate remote multiplayer gaming, allowing users to play together while communicating seamlessly.
Apple’s renewed investment in mobile gaming comes at a time when cloud gaming is rapidly gaining traction. This technology enables users to stream games directly to their devices without the need for large downloads. Microsoft has been a leading force in this space with Xbox Cloud Gaming, exemplifying the industry-wide shift towards streaming-based gaming experiences.
What The Author Thinks
Apple’s acquisition of RAC7 and plans for a new gaming hub clearly show that the company recognizes the importance of mobile gaming as a growth area. By gaining more control over game content and integrating social features, Apple could set Apple Arcade apart from other platforms. However, the success of this initiative will depend heavily on how well Apple executes these new features. Mobile gamers expect smooth, engaging, and social experiences, and Apple will need to deliver on these expectations to compete with established cloud gaming services like Microsoft and Netflix. The foundation is promising, but the real challenge lies ahead.
Featured image credit: Seymour Lemieux via Flickr
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