Apple is changing its strategy for Apple Arcade in an effort to retain subscribers, according to a new report by Bloomberg. The report explains that Apple has canceled contracts for some games still in development as it renews its focus.
According to the report, an Apple Arcade creative producer told developers in April that its upcoming games did not meet Apple’s expectations for “engagement” on the platform. “Apple is increasingly interested in titles that will keep users hooked, so subscribers stay beyond the free trial of the service,” the report says.
Apple has reportedly spent $ 1 million to $ 5 million on various titles so far for the Apple Arcade, but the company has a specific style in mind in the future:
In calls with developers in April, the Apple Arcade rep cited a specific example of the type of game the company wants: Grindstone, a puzzle game from Capybara Games that has many levels.
Apple’s decision to cancel games contracts that are still in development is said to have caused “financial problems” for developers:
Some developers who had contracts canceled by Apple suddenly faced financial problems, exacerbated by the pandemic, according to people briefed on what happened. While Apple ended the contracts, it still paid the studios based on the development milestones they have already reached. The company also told developers that it would work with them on future titles that meet the new requirements.
Apple Arcade debuted alongside iOS 13 last fall and allows users to pay $ 5 a month to access an ad-free game library. Users can play the games on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV. As part of its efforts to increase the use of the platform, Apple recently began offering users an additional month of free trial, doubling the free trial period from one month to two months.
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