Apple is reportedly designing a new game-focused app dedicated to gaming.
A new report from Bloomberg supports rumors from the end of last year that intimate the megacorp is “seeking to sell gamers and developers on the idea that it’s a leader in the market.” It also purports we’ll learn more when the app is announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference on June 9.
It’s believed the company plans to pre-install this app across all its new smart devices, including Apple TV, later this year, and — much like Steam on your PC — will act like a launcher for all games, centralizing in-game achievements, leaderboards, chat, and other activities, and replacing its existing “Game Center.” Bloomberg believes a Mac version will also be available for Mac computers to “tap into games downloaded outside of the App Store.”
Though Apple declined to comment on the rumor at this time, it has acquired Sneaky Sasquatch developer RAC7 Games, so make of that what you will.
While Apple isn’t necessarily synonymous with game development, its devices are. The iPhone is the most-used device for using worldwide, with around two-thirds of its app store revenue coming from premium games and in-game microtransactions. That said, Bloomberg’s sources suggested “it probably won’t change the perception among players and makers of high-end titles” that Mac computers “leave a lot to be desired compared with Windows computers” when it comes to gaming.
It’s thought Apple’s new gaming app will roll out with the next iOS version, expected sometime in September.
If you’re wondering just what games are available through Apple Arcade’s premium subscription service, we’ve got you covered.
Apple is of course embroiled in a legal battle with Fortnite maker Epic Games over not just the future of the all-encompassing battle royale on iPhones, but the way Apple makes money from gaming across its business. Last week, IGN reported on how Fortnite’s return to iPhone and iPad had seen the game storm to the top of the App Store charts — at least in the U.S., where it was finally made available once again.
Fortnite was booted from the iPhone App Store worldwide back in 2020 after Epic Games deliberately added its payment system into the game that bypassed Apple’s usual 30% cut. Five years and more than $1 billion of missed revenue later, Fortnite is finally back — and its alternative payment system remains in place.
Photo by CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images.
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world’s biggest gaming sites and publications. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.
