Latest news with #AlexRofman
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Apple buys its first-ever video game studio; promises to deliver ‘great experience' for Arcade
has acquired RAC7, the two-person video game developer known for the Apple Arcade hit Sneaky Sasquatch. This marks the Cupertino-based tech giant's first-ever acquisition of a video game studio. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Apple has described this move as a unique situation, indicating a specific interest in RAC7's work. The studio's previous credits include indie titles Dark Echo and Splitter Critters. In 2019, RAC7 released Sneaky Sasquatch as an Apple Arcade exclusive. The adventure game emerged as a notable success among the service's launch titles and has received consistent updates since its release. With this acquisition, the RAC7 team will now continue its partnership with Apple as an internal studio, with Apple promising to deliver a "great experience for Apple Arcade." What Apple said about acquiring its first-ever video game studio In a statement to Digital Trends, an Apple spokesperson said: 'We love Sneaky Sasquatch and are excited that the 2-person RAC7 team has joined Apple to continue their work on it with us. We will continue to deliver a great experience for Apple Arcade players with hundreds of games from many of the best game developers in the world.' Apple's acquisition of indie studio RAC7 is not part of a broad new gaming strategy but rather a specific opportunity to expand Apple Arcade's offerings, the report claims. Apple plans to continue working with a range of third-party studios, both large and small, to develop games for the service. While the deal may seem unexpected to those not closely following Arcade, it fits within the platform's existing model. Earlier, Apple Arcade Senior Director Alex Rofman highlighted Sneaky Sasquatch as a standout title whose popularity extends to real-world events like birthday parties. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Since its launch in 2019, Arcade has relied on a select group of indie developers—such as RAC7, Lykke Studios, and Triband Games—to release new titles each month. Recent additions include a fresh Katamari Damacy entry, a sequel to Space Invaders: Infinity Gene, and Gears & Goo for Apple Vision Pro. Despite RAC7's purchase being an isolated case, it underscores Apple's ongoing support for its subscription gaming service . This call will steal your money: "Family Scam" working & how to protect yourself!
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Apple may launch a dedicated gaming app for iPhone at WWDC 2025, here's what we know about it so far
Apple is preparing to debut a comprehensive gaming app across its devices at the WWDC this year, marking the company's most significant push into gaming territory as it seeks to establish itself as a major player in the market. The company will preinstall the new gaming application on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV devices as part of iOS 19, which launches in September. According to Bloomberg, the app will serve as a centralized hub for game launches while consolidating achievements, leaderboards, communications, and social features that were previously scattered across Apple's ecosystem. The timing appears strategic, with Nintendo's highly anticipated Switch 2 console launching June 5, just days before Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference on June 9, where the gaming app will be officially unveiled. The new app will replace Apple's long-dormant Game Center service, which debuted in 2010 but failed to gain significant traction among users. Apple's gaming app will feature editorial content highlighting new titles, direct access to the App Store's gaming section, and promotion of the company's $6.99 monthly Apple Arcade subscription service. A Mac version is also planned that can display games downloaded outside the official App Store, addressing a key limitation for desktop gaming enthusiasts. Apple acquires it's first ever gaming studio by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like A brain tumor threatens his life. Please save him. Donate For Health Donate Now Undo While the app is still incoming, Apple has confirmed its first-ever video game studio acquisition, purchasing RAC7, the two-person team behind Apple Arcade hit Sneaky Sasquatch . The 2019 game has become one of the subscription service's standout successes, inspiring children's birthday parties themed around the title, according to Apple Arcade senior director Alex Rofman. However, Apple emphasized to Digital Trends that the RAC7 purchase represents "a unique circumstance" rather than a fundamental shift in strategy, with the company planning to continue partnerships with third-party developers. The developments come as gaming generates approximately two-thirds of Apple's App Store revenue through games and in-app purchases. Initial reports of Apple's gaming app plans first surfaced last year via 9to5Mac, with Bloomberg's recent confirmation adding credibility to the company's expanding gaming ambitions.
