What is Apple Arcade and why do iOS games need to consider it?

In this article, we’ll teach you how Apple Arcade works, plus answer some common questions and provide actionable tips.

Let’s jump in.

What is Apple Arcade?

Apple Arcade is an exclusive subscription service for Apple devices that offers users access to a curated collection of mobile games. These games are free of ads and in-app purchases and can be played offline, making them accessible anytime, anywhere.

The product pages for Apple Arcade games have unique layout elements compared to regular App Store pages:

Video banner that plays automatically at the top
The game icon’s centered layout is above the Apple Arcade badge, followed by the app title, subtitle, and an enlarged “Get” button
Information placement elements that occupy the first screen push the information panel and screenshot gallery to the second screen, requiring users to scroll down to view them.

Source: Apple App Store

How can Apple Arcade games be discovered?

Apple Arcade games can be discovered through the dedicated search filters (or as part of regular search results). They can also be highlighted as featured content on the games tab or in the Apple Arcade tab.

In search results, Apple Arcade games are easily identifiable by a badge above their app title. Unlike regular apps, they do not display star ratings or the number of associated ratings.

Source: Apple App Store

All iOS users can access the Apple Arcade tab on the App Store, where they can explore content through editorial features, app collections, dedicated category rankings, and pre-order announcements.

What are the benefits of Apple Arcade?

The benefits of Apple Arcade are unlimited access to a curated selection of games without any ads or in-app purchases, offline play, controller support, family sharing, and cross-platform availability.

One of the standout features of Apple Arcade is the uninterrupted and immersive gaming experience, allowing players to engage fully with the content without ads and in-app purchases.

Another significant benefit is the ability to play games offline. This feature is particularly useful for those who travel frequently or are in situations with limited internet connectivity.

As previously said, Apple Arcade also boasts cross-platform availability. Subscribers can play games across multiple Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV, with progress syncing seamlessly between devices.

Family Sharing is another attractive feature of Apple Arcade. A single subscription can be shared with up to five family members, allowing everyone to enjoy the benefits without needing separate subscriptions.

The service is continually updated with new games, so subscribers get a constant stream of fresh games. This regular addition of new titles keeps the gaming experience exciting and engaging.

Lastly, many Apple Arcade games support controllers, enhancing the gaming experience for those who prefer physical controls over touchscreens.

The differences between Apple Arcade and normal mobile games are the Apple Arcade’s ad-free environment, the offline play capability, platform-exclusive games for subscribers, and distinct product pages without ratings and reviews.

What is the impact of the Apple Arcade on app store optimization (ASO)?

Apple Arcade significantly boosts ASO because the platform enhances the visibility and discoverability of mobile games. For game owners that means more potential downloads and better conversion rates.

However, the lack of visible ratings and reviews might influence user decision-making.

How can game developers use Apple Arcade to improve their ASO?

Apple Arcade offers game developers an amazing opportunity to improve their ASO efforts through a couple of ways:

boosted visibility
metadata indexing
keyword optimization
Conversion rate optimization

Games on Apple Arcade get prime placement in the App Store, showing up in search results, the Games tab, and a dedicated Apple Arcade section. This spotlight can drive more downloads.

Sonic racing is another big hit that comes with Apple Arcade, Source: Apple App Store

Like any other game, Apple Arcade titles have their metadata indexed, making them searchable and discoverable.

Developers can fine-tune their game’s metadata with relevant keywords that potential players might use, increasing the likelihood of appearing in search results.

Apple Arcade games benefit from a unique product page design featuring auto-playing videos and a prominent “Get” button, which can help boost conversion rates.

How does Apple Arcade differ from Google Play Pass?

The main differences between Apple Arcade and Google Play Pass are game exclusivity, device availability, the way developers are compensated, and Apple Arcade’s discoverability and visibility features.

Here’s more context behind the mentioned differences:

Apple Arcade features games exclusive to its platform, while Google Play Pass includes games that can be purchased individually on the Play Store.

Apple Arcade is dedicated solely to games, whereas Google Play Pass offers a mix of games and apps.

Apple Arcade is available on iOS devices like iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, and Macs. Google Play Pass, on the other hand, is available on Android devices.

Apple Arcade has a dedicated tab in the App Store, making it easy to find. Google Play Pass has a dedicated tab that is only available to subscribers.
Apple Arcade compensates developers based on user engagement and time spent playing. Google Play Pass uses an algorithmic model to determine royalties based on user value for different types of content.

How much does Apple Arcade cost?

Apple Arcade costs $6.99 per month in the United States. There are a few ways to get it at a lower cost or even for free:

Get an annual subscription – Opt for the yearly plan at $49.99, which breaks down to a lower monthly rate.
Start a free trial – New subscribers can enjoy a one-month free trial to explore the service.
Try Apple One – Apple Arcade is bundled with the Apple One Individual and Family plans, offering more value.
Purchase a new device – Get three months of Apple Arcade for free when you buy a new Apple device.

Keep in mind that prices and offers can vary based on location and current promotions.

How can you track Apple Arcade analytics?

You can track Apple Arcade analytics using App Store Connect tracking tools.

Here’s a short rundown of App Store Connect features for keeping tabs on the game’s arcade performance and visibility metrics:

App analytics in App Store Connect

This tool provides subscriber-specific information about how users discover and interact with your game.

You can track metrics such as impressions, product page views, downloads, and user engagement (e.g., the number of active subscribers, average play time per subscriber, the number of subscribers who played the game, the number of game sessions, etc. ).

These metrics can be filtered by territory, source type, device, etc.

Sales and trends reports in App Store Connect

These reports provide financial data, including earnings from Apple Arcade subscriptions and trends. You can view daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly reports to understand your game’s financial performance.

Custom In-App Events

Implement custom in-app events to track specific actions within your game, such as level completions or other relevant interactions. This data can be viewed in App Analytics to gain insights into user behavior and optimize your game accordingly.

Final thoughts on Apple Arcade

Apple Arcade is a subscription service that offers a unique and premium gaming experience. The platform has and ad-free environment, offline play capability, exclusive content, curated selection, distinct product pages that have of ratings and reviews,

Game developers and marketers can leverage Apple Arcade to boost their App Store Optimization (ASO) as it boosts visibility and discoverability of games, leading to more downloads and better conversion rates.