Apple Launches Apple Arcade

On September the 19th Apple will once again be throwing it hat into the ring. Only this time, the brand won’t be releasing another smartphone; they’ll be entering the gaming arena.

Apple Arcade is set to offer iOS gamers in more than 50 countries the chance to enjoy an arcade-style gaming subscription experience on their Apple device for just $4.99 a month.

Apple Arcade was first talked about in March, and since then, the hype has grown dramatically. The new service allows players to enjoy a wide selection of games not just on their iPhone or iPad, but on their iPod Touch, Mac and Apple TV too. Accessing the service is as easy as accessing an online casino, as there is now a dedicated App Store Arcade tab that offers full access at the click of a mouse or tap of the screen.

The new platform comes hot on the heels of Google’s Stadia, and there are certainly some parallels being drawn. However, being Apple, there are also some big differences too!

How Apple Arcade Works

Google’s Stadia works on a streaming principle much like Netflix, but Apple Arcade requires that players download a game to their device. This means that there is no Internet connection needed for players once the game has been downloaded, and there won’t be any lag if a connection is unstable either. This cuts user costs and makes the games even easier to access for players around the globe.

Apple Arcade games will also only be available on Apple devices, and not be cross-platform compatible. But, players will be able to use PlayStation DualShock 4 controllers, controllers with Bluetooth, MFi game controllers and Xbox One S controllers if they prefer an external controller to the touchscreen controls.

Great Range of Games

In the App Store there are more than 300,000 games, and this means that users are spoilt for choice. But, it also means that often great games get ignored simply because they don’t stand out. It’s this reason, and many others of course, why Apple decided to launch Arcade.

Initially there will be over 100 exclusive games in Arcade and these games won’t be available elsewhere. The only place you’ll be able to play them is on your Apple device and there will even be AR and multi-player options added in the coming months. New games will also be added monthly so there is always something fresh and fun for players, and developers like Konami, Cornfox & Bros, Ubisoft, Lego and Red Games and Sega are already on board. Apple is actually working closely with these and other developers to create new and innovative games and although they’ll be getting a cut, they’re currently more concerned with creating an attractive, cutting edge product that offers an alternative to gamers globally.

Just some of the games that are available now include:

  • Frogger in Toy Town
  • Hot LavaLego Brawls
  • Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm
  • Rayman Mini
  • Sonic Racing