While Apple may not be a player in the video game hardware business, the company’s new gaming subscription service looks like it’ll be competitive. Today’s iPhone event (still ongoing, at the time of this writing) revealed the date and price ofApple Arcadeand featured a brief showcase of three games coming to the service. Apple device users will only need to wait until September 19, and the service will only be $4.99 a month.
Konami, the publisher ofMetal Gearand purveyor of Pachinko machines, came up on stage first. It’s bold to begin an Apple presentation with “everyone loves Frogger,” but Konami did so in unveilingFrogger in Toy Town. The game looks, well, likeFrogger, albeit with a childish toy room aesthetic. It even features a 3D render of a baby, which I must say lookedterrifying. It’sFrogger, but without any sort of splatter. The game will be exclusive on Apple Arcade.
Next up was Capcom, who showed off an Apple Arcade-exclusive game calledShinsekai: Into the Depths. The title waspreviously trademarked by Capcom in July, and the game was revealed today to be some sort of underwater exploration title with a host of creepy sea creatures. Also at the event were Annapurna Interactive, showing off the iPhone version ofSayonara Wild Hearts, a rhythm and action game that I’m particularly excited about; wepreviewed that game at PAX Eastand it wasone of our favorite indie titles at E3 2019.
It’s worth mentioning that with Apple’s Family Sharing feature, that $4.99 figure will cover the whole family. Additionally, there will be a one month free trial for the service. Apple brags that Apple Arcade will have over 100 games at launch; at $4.99 a month, the service seems like a steal, though I question what the revenue share for developers will be with such a low subscription price.
With the upcoming tvOS 13 update,Apple users can utilize their DualShock 4 or Xbox One S controllersto play Apple Aracde titles. Of course, these games will also be featured on Apple devices other than Apple TV, such as iPhone,iPod Touch, iPad, and Macs. Catch up with the ongoing Apple event below.
