But just what is Apple Arcade trying to be?
Apple Arcade is Apples game subscription service.
There are no in-app purchases and no ads.
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The focus is on “casual” pick-up-and-play games, but there are lots of in-depth titles, too.
The problem with Apple Arcade, though, is that it’s not clear what it wants to be.
Is it a premium tier, above the rubbish in the App Store?
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Is it a push to take over Nintendo Switch territory?
Will Apple turn the Apple TV into a home console?
But the revenue from mobile apps is enormous.
In 2018, theCandy Crushseriespulled in $1.5 billion.
And that’s for a game that’s almost a decade old.
With that kind of money involved, its easy to see why Apple wants a slice.
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In that market, Apple Arcade competes withXbox Game PassandNintendo Switch Online.
If youve already bought the Switch or the Xbox, those are both easy sales.
You purchased a console solely to play games.
“I don’t think Apple really needs to compete in this arena, though,” says Freiberger.
There are references inside the latest tvOS 14.5 beta that suggest support for a 120Hz screen refresh rate.
Could the next AppleTV be a stealth video game console?
Few people buy smartphones to play games, but they will play them if they are available.
Perhaps the same is true for TV set-top boxes.
Or perhaps Apple Arcade will be the factor that finally justifies the Apple TVs frankly absurd price.
This last possibility relies on Apple Arcade developing a solid library of games.
I don’t think Apple really needs to compete in this arena.
The answer may be that an Apple TV doesnt need to be “serious.”
It could do for living-room gaming what the iPhone did for mobile gaming.
Apple Arcade, on the other hand, has a little bit of everything for everyone."
Apple has never been interested in courting the big game developers that make AAA titles for Xbox and PlayStation.
But it doesnt need those big titles to succeed in the living room.
And Apple Arcade is perfect for exactly that.
