Apple is canceling contracts with some Apple Arcade developers, according to Bloomberg.
The company has been refocusing its efforts on creating content that will help retain subscribers to its premium gaming network, and that means that some titles have to go.
Earlier in the year, the company scrapped contracts with a number of games studios, letting them know that their games would no longer be required on the platform.
This includes both existing and upcoming releases, particularly games that didn’t have enough engagement. The company is replacing titles with games that will “keep users hooked” on the platform.
Apple reportedly highlighted Grindstone as the type of app it wanted to bring to the platform and has re-shifted its focus to find the “next big thing” in mobile gaming to bring subscribers to the platform.
Like Apple News+, Apple Arcade has struggled to make meaningful traction.
Although Apple doesn’t offer specifics on how its services are doing, some insiders have suggested that Apple’s sudden plan to change the service means that the demand for Apple Arcade has been weaker than originally anticipated. The news also follows Apple offering existing subscribers an extra month’s membership for free, which could signal that the service is struggling to hold onto subscribers.
Speaking to Bloomberg, Apple said: “Apple Arcade has redefined what a gaming service can be, putting unlimited play at the fingertips of subscribers and their families across all their Apple devices.
“We are proud to have launched the first-ever mobile game subscription service that now features more than 120 games, many of which are award-winning and widely celebrated for their artistry and gameplay.
“The vision has always been to grow and evolve the Apple Arcade catalog, and we can’t wait for our users to try the games developers are working on now.”
Apple Arcade launched in September and is available for $4.99 per month after a one-month free trial.
The company has added new games almost every week, and now there are more than 120 titles to choose from. Apple pays developers for the time users have spent interacting with each game, though some games have been directly funded by the firm.
Are you surprised to see Apple change its Apple Arcade strategy? What changes would you make if you were in charge of Apple Arcade? Let us know and check back soon for more.
