Mobile developers have characterized the experience of collaborating with Apple Arcade as "a very difficult and long process"

Game developers working on Apple Arcade titles are expressing dissatisfaction, according to recent findings.

According to Mobilegamer.biz, many studios have complained of delayed responses from the Apple Arcade team, subpar technical support, and discoverability challenges.

One independent developer reported waiting nearly half a year to receive payment, which almost drove their business under.

Despite payment issues, some developers acknowledge that Apple's generous funding has kept their studios afloat and allowed them to complete projects.

One developer mentioned they secured a deal that covered their entire development budget. However, they added that securing new deals has become a lengthy and complicated process due to a lack of clear goals from Apple.

Another developer discussed the sluggish communication from Apple, stating that it could take up to three weeks to get a reply to emails, if they received a response at all.

Complaints about Apple's Vision Pro also surfaced, with developers saying that the device was not designed for gaming, and offers for game development on the platform came without compensation or marketing support.

The QA and localization processes were described as exceedingly burdensome, involving the submission of numerous screenshots to ensure compatibility across various device aspects and languages.

Discoverability issues remain a significant concern, with some developers feeling like their games are not being promoted. One mentioned that it felt like their game had been "in a morgue for the last two years" due to lack of exposure.

Despite these grievances, one developer noted that Apple Arcade now has a clearer understanding of its target audience, which currently favors family-friendly games over high-concept indie titles.

However, another developer remarked on the disparity in treatment, feeling like they are tolerated because Apple needs them, yet believe they receive little in return.

Apple has not yet provided a response to these complaints.

In related news, earlier this year, Epic Games accused Apple of violating the DMA when it blocked Epic's attempt to launch on iOS. Additionally, the EU Commission recently determined that Apple's practices prevent app developers from directing users to alternative purchasing channels, thus breaching the DMA.