Developers working with Apple Arcade are increasingly expressing dissatisfaction with their relationship with Apple, describing the experience as akin to being in an "abusive relationship." Many have pointed out that while Apple Arcade initially offered a profitable model, recent changes have left developers struggling.
One significant issue is the reduction in upfront payments and the "bonus pool" for per-play rewards, which has negatively impacted smaller studios. Additionally, Apple has been known to cancel projects with little to no warning, creating uncertainty for developers. Delays in payment, sometimes stretching up to six months, have further exacerbated the situation, leaving studios in precarious financial positions.
Communication problems with Apple are another major concern. Developers report long delays in receiving responses to emails, if they receive any response at all. The lack of timely and clear communication extends to technical support, which some developers describe as the worst they've encountered.
The release of the Apple Vision Pro has added another layer of frustration, as developers struggle with the lack of technical support and clarity regarding the device's capabilities. Many developers find that Apple's team is often unresponsive or unable to answer technical questions due to either a lack of knowledge or confidentiality issues.
Despite these challenges, some developers acknowledge that Apple Arcade was once a crucial platform for their survival. However, the current state of the service, combined with Apple's seemingly indifferent attitude towards gaming, has left many feeling undervalued. One developer poignantly compared the experience to an abusive relationship, hoping that Apple might eventually change and recognize the potential they see in the platform.
The overarching sentiment among developers is that Apple does not fully understand the gaming industry or gamers' needs. While Apple Arcade was intended to be a groundbreaking service, developers believe that Apple needs to clarify its goals for the platform and improve its support for game creators.