Apple Allegedly Intends to Establish a Distinct Gaming App Marketplace to Deliver a Blow to Epic
In the world of tech flattery, Microsoft and Epic ought to feel pretty darn flattered right now. Word on the street is that Apple is rolling out its own dedicated game marketplace, complete with game suggestions, friends lists, and more. But let's not get too carried away, folks. In the often cutthroat world of app marketplaces, fairness tends to take a backseat.
This upcoming game marketplace, as reported by 9to5Mac, is being touted as an "App Store-like app," drawing from features of Game Center. It's unclear if this new storefront will replace Game Center entirely, but it's expected to house titles from both the App Store and Apple Arcade.
Users can expect to navigate through multiple tabs, including one for pals and another for game suggestions based on past play patterns. Potential tabs for achievement-like challenges and leaderboards are also in the works. If rumors are true, Apple might even integrate FaceTime or iMessage for in-game communication, catering to those less tech-savvy family members who might be baffled by Discord.
Apple's recent foray into the gaming realm is no secret. Earlier this year, they even invited Gizmodo to an event, showcasing high-profile games compatible across iOS, iPad, and Mac ecosystems. Still, the game selection has yet to catch up to the offerings in the Windows-based PC realm. Nonetheless, with iOS 18, Apple is beefing up its Game Porting Toolkit, aiding developers in bringing macOS games to iOS.
Seems like Apple is aiming to squash a few foes in the process. The new store's launch timing is suspiciously timed to take a swipe at Epic and its CEO, Tim Sweeney. Epic unveiled its Epic Games store on iOS in the EU this past August, but Apple users in the U.S. are still waiting for their turn. Given Apple and Sweeney's tumultuous history, this move from the Cupertino powerhouse might just be Apple's way of declaring its dominance in iOS gaming space, alongside other digital realms.
Epic sued Apple and Google several years ago, accusing them of forcing apps to use their first-party payment methods. Though Apple was not labeled a monopoly like Google, Apple is still fighting tooth and nail to maintain its right to charge the infamous 30% "Apple tax" on in-app transactions.
Google, on the other hand, was recently ordered to open its mobile OS to third-party app stores, but the tech giant was granted a reprieve, allowing it to continue forcing apps to use Google Play billing while appealing the verdict. All the while, Microsoft is reportedly preparing to launch its own competing Xbox app store on Android.
Tip of the hat to Microsoft for this strategic move. Apple, watch your back!
Enrichment Insights:
- Apple Arcade, Apple's subscription-based gaming service, already hosts over 100 exclusive games and syncs between various devices without ads or in-app purchases. The new game marketplace aims to build upon these features, providing an enhanced user experience.
- Apple plans to integrate the game store with Game Center, allowing users to engage in competitive gaming, challenges, and tracking achievements more efficiently.
- The new app store will likely extend Apple Arcade's Family Sharing feature, ensuring families can easily manage and share gaming experiences with a single subscription.
- Continuous updates to the game library will ensure users stay engaged with new titles regularly. Recent additions to Apple Arcade include Piano Tiles 2+ and Crazy Eights: Card Games+.
This new game marketplace, as reported by 9to5Mac, is set to become a formidable competitor in the tech world, potentially challenging established players like Epic. The future of gaming on iOS seems to be declaring a new era, with Apple aiming to expand its offerings beyond Apple Arcade. With features like friends lists and game suggestions based on past play patterns, the app could attract gamers looking for a more personalized gaming experience. Microsoft's strategic move to launch its own Xbox app store on Android also indicates a growing competitive landscape in the tech industry.
