I’ll be honest, I did not expect this at all. I assumed that Apple was going to be heading in the same direction as Google’s Stadia, but nope! Instead, they’re focusing entirely on exclusive mobile games with Apple Arcade, that you can’t get anywhere else.According to Apple:
Apple Arcade will introduce an innovative way to access a collection of brand new games that will not be available on any other mobile platform or in any other subscription service. Rather than pay up front for each game, a subscription to Apple Arcade will give players the opportunity to try any game in the service without risk. Since every game includes access to the full experience, including all game features, content and future updates, no additional purchases will be required.Every game will be playable offline, and many games will offer support for game controllers. Because subscribers can play Apple Arcade games across iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV, they can pick up where they left off in a game, even if they switch devices. New games will be added to the service on a regular basis.Apple Arcade will launch in fall 2019 in more than 150 countries from a new tab on the App Store across iOS, macOS and tvOS.
I won’t lie, these game are looking very premium, almost Switch level quality. The pricing for this service is what I’m very interested in learning. Mobile games has grown in popularity in recent years and it seems that Apple has recognized it and is looking to capitalize on that growth. It’s a smart move on their part.
Personally, I would pay for a service like that, but I barely play mobile games like that to warrant a subscription but we will have to wait and see. At least Apple decided to go for the mobile market instead of trying to tackle the big consoles.
