In recent years, one of the trends in the gaming community has been subscription services. Operating much like streaming services such as Netflix or Prime Video, these game subscription services allow customers to access a library of games for a fee, often paid in monthly installments. Currently, one of the biggest of these services is Xbox’s Game Pass, which has garnered a lot of attention for giving gamers the ability to play games they wouldn’t normally try. Similarly, Apple Arcade has made it for the mobile gaming market which is great for gamers.
First released in 2019, Apple Arcade is a video game subscription service available on various Apple devices through the App Store. As mentioned, the service operates similarly to Xbox Game Pass, with customers having access to a suite of games through their subscription. The service has also implemented a number of social features, including achievements, leaderboards, and the ability to transport data between different devices if they are linked to the same iCloud account. Apple Arcade is a great service that has a lot to offer those with iOS devices.
Apple Arcade gets rid of the worst parts of mobile gaming
Apple Arcade definitely lacks the caliber of games offered by Game Pass, though it does include some gems, especially when it comes to mobile versions of popular games on other platforms. The service really shines when it comes to simple games with light simulation or RPG elements. These types of games aren’t exactly uncommon when it comes to mobile titles, with most popular games sharing these characteristics, but it’s rare to see them in their base form without the microtransactions. Usually they are provided as free games but are simultaneously riddled with microtransactions and ads.
While, of course, it’s taken for granted that games are designed to generate income for the people who have worked hard in them, the kinds of money-making practices in mobile games often leave a lot of the impression that monetization is their only goal. These monetization strategies can often take the fun out of games, as players can often feel like they require too much investment. However, mobile titles are often designed in a way that maximizes the player’s desire to keep playing and overcoming challenges. The teams behind these games often seek to make them as addictive as possible, throwing players into a seemingly endless gameplay loop.
By removing all those pay-to-win systems that many mobile gamers find boring at best and predatory at worst, Apple Arcade lets its customers focus on the games themselves. Without these monetization systems, customers can enjoy these games for what they are, finding a comfortable place in these addictive and fun game loops. The service also has plenty of other cool features, from offline gameplay to the ability to add accessories, including third-party controllers like Joy-Con, DualShock 4, and controllers inspired by retro gamepads.
In this way, Apple Arcade provides a great way for people who own iOS products to really enjoy mobile games. Many mobile titles have garnered a lot of fan ire for including an excessive amount of these types of monetization schemes or even a disproportionate amount of ads. By providing gaming experiences free of these nuisances, Apple Arcade allows gamers to focus on the good things these titles have to offer.
