- Apple is reportedly working on a new App Store-like centralisation of their gaming content
- It won’t replace but will integrate Game Center
- The new App will function as both a store and social space, with editorialised content
Apple is working on a new companion to the iOS App Store that will be focused on gaming, it has been reported. 9-to-5 Mac, an outlet dedicated to Apple products and news, claims they were provided the information by a reliable source. The new app will combine functionality for both store and social content in one place.
According to the news, this app wouldn’t replace either the regular iOS App Store or the existing Game Center but would include integrated functionality from the latter. It’s described as something akin to the Xbox app where players can explore their friend’s profiles, play games and see editorialised content and recommendations, amongst other functionality.
Given how much competition Apple is facing in the gaming space, despite the success of ventures like Apple Arcade, it’s hardly surprising that they’re choosing to try and improve their existing gaming experience for iOS users.
More centralised?
Frankly, it does surprise me that it’s taken this long for Apple to craft something that combines more social content with actual game purchasing and editorialising functionality. I admit most stores seem to struggle with actually separating regular apps most people aren’t even slightly interested in from the games they are.
Will this new app be enough to win over players who might be considering a move to the new third-party stores Apple may have to let in? We’ll have to wait and see.
In the meantime if you want to see how Apple have already done with their gaming content, why not check out their subscription service? We’ve ranked our own top picks of the best games on Apple Arcade to get you started!
And if you haven’t already, get out there and vote for your favourites from 2024 in our annual Pocket Gamer Awards! But hurry up, voting is only open until the 31st!
