(ThyBlackMan.com) Apple Arcade is a game subscription service for iOS, Apple TV, and Mac users. Apple has promised an ad-free mobile gaming experience for subscribers. The platform will host exclusive games which means the 100+ titles that Apple promised, won’t be available on any other subscription service or mobile platform. There are several key factors that potential Apple Arcade subscribers should know when deciding whether to buy the service which is set for a launch in more than 150 countries in fall 2019.
It’s not a streaming service
Unlike other gaming services that bring hundreds of games on a single platform through streaming, Apple Arcade allows subscribers to download and install the game on their Apple device. This is a smart move by Apple because most of the streaming services are useless for people who do not have a high-speed internet connection. Most of the services including Google Stadia, PSN and xCloud badly need 5G to be more successful.
Ad-free gaming with no microtransactions attached
Apple has confirmed that the games available as a part of Apple Arcade subscription will be completely free from advertisements. The company’s statement also suggests that there will be no in-app purchases or microtransactions in the game. It means that the subscribers won’t have to pay anything extra in the game after signing up for the service. The price for Apple Arcade service has not been confirmed.
Apple’s approach is different from some of the newly announced game services like Google Stadia and xCloud. Google has not revealed the pricing details, but from what we know, it is safe to assume that Google is not aiming to deliver games without microtransactions as the company’s goal is to bring all the console, PC and mobile games in one place. The pricing for the same will likely be higher.
A more realistic approach
Apple’s iPhone 5G won’t be out anytime before 2020. If you look at the state of 5G, the technology will still need at least 4 to 5 years to be available in most of the places. Apple knows that demanding high-speed internet from 4G is too much. A major part of its target audience in the United States doesn’t have access to a reliable internet connection. Knowing all that, Apple has come up with Apple Arcade that doesn’t require an always-connected environment for the games it offers. It will give Apple an edge over other game services because most of the people will prefer a not so demanding service.
Apple Arcade is good for indie game developers
Apple Arcade is a great way to disclose new or barely known game developers and share their work with the rest of the world. Apple is working with both small and big companies making them be seen. In the company’s official press release, Apple said that competing with free games becomes hard for developers and as a result, even the best games reach a smaller audience.
Free to play games supported by ads or microtransactions, enjoy hundreds of thousands of users around the world. The mobile game market is crowded and many people are ready to pay to find good games that don’t force them to buy in-game items which don’t always work in favor of players.
Family sharing option
Pay for a single Apple Arcade subscription and up to six family members can access the games on the platform. You can set up Family Sharing by adding Apple IDs of all your family members’ accounts tied to the same credit card. This feature is great as you can share access to all the games. It is very useful for parents who let their kids play games on iOS and deal with frequent in-game purchase demands from kids.
Coming this fall, Apple Arcade will offer more than 100 games from indie developers and renowned artists like Hironobu Sakaguchi and Will Wright. With the idea to let players enjoy ad-free games without pushing developers to choose the free-to-play game model, Apple Arcade has the potential to succeed in the crowded mobile gaming landscape.
Staff Writer; Corey Shaw
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