Apple Arcade

Netflix is said to be considering competing with Apple Arcade and Google Stadia by launching its own subscription-based streaming game service. The company has reportedly begun the hunt for a senior gaming exec to lead the move.

Netflix dipped a toe into the mobile gaming world way back in 2017, and has also created a number of interactive shows …

Apple Arcade was introduced in 2019 as a new way to offer full access to games through a monthly subscription. However, the platform is not exactly considered a huge success. With the recent announcement of classic iOS games coming to the Apple Arcade, we want to know if your opinion of Apple Arcade improved with the arrival of classic iOS games.

We still can’t say that many Apple services, besides Apple Music, are a hit. In fact, we know that Apple TV+ has a small but growing list of subscribers, and that people have been losing interest in Apple Arcade and Apple News+.

It’s been two years since Apple held its 2019 March event focusing on Services, and a year and a half since Apple Arcade was released. Only now can we say that Apple has piqued user interest with Apple Arcade, and given users a major reason to subscribe to Apple One. Here’s why.

Apple made a big move to energize its gaming platform today by launching more than 30 new titles on Apple Arcade. While that includes big ones like NBA 2K21, a major part of the strategy is bringing hit iOS and traditional classics to the platform. What favorites do you want to see come to the ad-free Apple Arcade in the future?

Apple Arcade has gotten a big wave of new games today. Over 30 new titles including ones from major game developers to popular indie devs have hit the service that pushes the available titles to over 180.

New games include NBA 2K21, an all-new version of The Oregon Trail from Gameloft, Fantasian from the creator of Final Fantasy, and lots of hit classics like Really Bad Chess, Monument Valley, Reigns, Simon’s Cat, Threes!, Cut the Rope, Fruit Ninja, chess, checkers, and many more.

We learned last month that a new Fantasian game would let Apple users revisit the world of Final Fantasy on Apple Arcade – and the game has landed today on iOS, Mac, and Apple TV.

Creator Hironobu Sakaguchi said that replaying Final Fantasy IV had been the inspiration for the new game …

If you like the Final Fantasy franchise, you’ll be glad to hear that a new game from Hironobu Sakaguchi is coming exclusively to the Apple Arcade. Fantasian is an RPG set against a backdrop made from over 150 handmade dioramas that blend physical environments and 3D characters.

The former Apple App Store head told the congressional antitrust committee that the Cupertino company uses its convoluted rules ‘as a weapon against competitors.’ He cited Apple Arcade as evidence of this, the company allowing its own subscription gaming service when it bans things like Xbox Game Pass.

Former App Store director Phil Shoemaker said that Apple creates ‘arbitrary’ rules which allow it to block or hinder unwanted competitors to its own apps and services …

Apple Arcade has added three notable titles over the last several weeks: “Game of Thrones: Tale of Crows” from Devolver Digital, “Next Stop Nowhere” from Night School Studio, and “The Last Campfire” from Hello Games. A new deep dive from TechRadar today offers a closer look at the development of the games, and how Apple Arcade was involved.

Apple is shifting its strategy for Apple Arcade in an effort to retain subscribers, according to a new report from Bloomberg. The report explains that Apple has canceled the contracts for some games still in development as it revamps its approach.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Hipster Whale is the game studio behind the hit Crossy Road game and its more recent Crossy Road Castle follow-up. In a new interview with CNET, Hipster Whale CEO Clara Reeves explains some of the history behind the game, the company’s work with Apple Arcade, and more.

Expand
Expanding
Close

It’s been about eight months since I first reviewed the 7th-generation iPod touch, and since that time both iOS 13 and Apple Arcade, two releases that significantly affect the hardware, have been released. How well has the iPod touch 7 held up since that time, and should you still consider an iPod in 2020? Watch our latest hands-on episode of the Rewind for more details. 
Expand
Expanding
Close

Notice anything out of the ordinary on Apple.com today? Don’t worry, you’re not hallucinating. Sonic, Frogger, and other Apple Arcade characters have taken over Apple’s homepage. Sure, it may just be an ad for Apple’s $5/month subscription game service, but it has character.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Apple Arcade is leveling up in Apple Stores across the world with eye-catching new displays and a sharper focus on accessories to enhance the gaming experience. The new merchandising designs began appearing today at Apple’s latest stores in countries where Apple Arcade is available.

Expand
Expanding
Close

You can now take out an Apple Arcade annual subscription for $49.99 per year, instead of $4.99 per month. This works out at $4.17 per month or the equivalent of getting two months a year free.

The equivalent deal is also available in other countries: CAD$59.99 in Canada, £49.99 in the UK and €49.99 in Eurozone countries…

Expand
Expanding
Close

Apple has announced a major new sports game franchise that is now available on Apple Arcade. “Ultimate Rivals,” developed by Bit Fry Game Studios, Inc., brings together athletes from hockey, basketball, football, baseball, and soccer.

Expand
Expanding
Close

This year, Apple made a renewed push into Services with new content subscriptions for reading news, watching television, and playing new games.

Apple Arcade and Apple TV+ each cost $4.99 per month, and offer compelling original TV and games to play. However, there are a few extra things you may want to buy to improve the experience. These accessories can make great gift ideas for any Apple fan.

Expand
Expanding
Close

As highlighted in a report from Bloomberg today, the opportunities for Apple revenue growth in one of its biggest markets, China, are unclear as the company has been unable to launch its new paid services in the region due to strict local laws concerning content availability and censorship policy.

This year, Apple put a big focus on Apple News+, Apple Arcade, and Apple TV+ launches. None of them are available in China.

Expand
Expanding
Close