Apple Prepares to Make a Serious Push into Gaming

With WWDC just around the corner, the tech industry is bracing itself for Apple's annual attempt to convince us that it's serious about gaming. This ritual, which often skips a year or two, typically involves Apple touting impressive gaming statistics, showcasing a high-profile developer's latest project, and unveiling new iOS features tailored to gamers. However, this time around, there's a sense that the company may be more committed to its gaming endeavors. The reason we still pay attention to Apple's gaming overtures is that the company controls a vast array of platforms, with over 2.35 billion active devices worldwide, including more than a billion iPhones. The existing mobile gaming market, while substantial, has only scratched the surface of its potential, and a genuine commitment to gaming from Apple could be a significant step towards realizing that potential. This year's WWDC is expected to feature a new gaming-centric app, which will replace the clunky Game Centre with a more streamlined game launcher, complete with editorial and social features. The app may also provide a more integrated experience, with features like chat, matchmaking, and teams. Apple's recent acquisition of RAC7, a micro-studio behind the successful Apple Arcade game Sneaky Sasquatch, sends a cautiously positive signal about the company's commitment to gaming. While the acquisition may be seen as an acquihire, it suggests that Apple is aware of its lack of internal gaming expertise and is willing to bring in external talent. The move may also indicate that Apple is serious about building out its Apple Arcade service, which has been quietly successful despite occupying minimal mindshare in the gaming sector. As Apple prepares to unveil its latest gaming initiatives, it's essential to consider the broader context. The company may be less focused on enticing the traditional games industry and more on preparing for the possibility of major parts of the games business migrating to its platforms. With legislative and legal moves pointing towards the potential opening up of Apple's platform to third-party app stores and streaming apps, the company may be taking steps to ensure it's ready for this new landscape. While the threat from actual app stores may be minimal, the threat from game storefronts is very real, with Epic, Steam, and Xbox potentially launching functional storefronts on iOS in the coming years. Apple's rethinking of its gaming app software and acquisition of RAC7 may be just the beginning of its efforts to adapt to this new reality.