With Apple’s major Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) just around the corner, the tech giant is showing a keen interest in the mobile gaming market.
Currently, Apple offers a subscription service called Arcade for iOS users, providing access to a variety of mobile games, including popular indie titles like Stardew Valley. However, according to a report from Digital Trends, Apple is taking a significant step by acquiring its first game studio, RAC7, known for creating the popular Apple Arcade game Sneaky Sasquatch.
Apple isn’t alone in this move; other unexpected players are also diving into mobile gaming. For instance, Netflix has been investing in the sector by purchasing multiple gaming studios since launching Netflix Games in 2021, which allows subscribers to enjoy cloud-based mobile gaming.
In addition, Bloomberg has confirmed a report from 9to5Mac that Apple is working on a new dedicated gaming app for iOS 19. This app will replace the existing Game Center and will integrate with Apple Arcade, featuring leaderboards, game recommendations, challenges, and social functions. There are also plans for it to connect with iMessage or FaceTime, enabling multiplayer gaming over distance.
Apple’s increased focus on mobile gaming coincides with the growing popularity of cloud gaming, which lets users play games without needing to download large files. Microsoft has been at the forefront of this trend with its Xbox Cloud Gaming services.
