Apple Arcade struggles, disappointing Mac gamers

Apple Arcade has reached its sixth anniversary, but many Mac gamers feel overlooked. The subscription service, which allows players to enjoy games across Apple devices, is not receiving much attention from Apple. There is little promotion for Apple Arcade, raising concerns about its future. Many games on Apple Arcade seem like simple ports from mobile devices. This is due to the need for games to work on various Apple devices, which often leads to compromises in quality. For Mac users, this results in games that do not feel optimized for their platform. Developers have also expressed concerns about Apple's support. Reports suggest that some developers are experiencing declining revenues and frustration with the lack of interest from Apple. While a small percentage of U.S. consumers play Apple Arcade games weekly, most likely do so on mobile devices rather than on Macs. As Mac hardware becomes more powerful, gamers now have better options than before. Compelling AAA games are starting to appear on Macs. Many players, including this writer, would prefer native Mac games over Apple Arcade titles. Although Apple Arcade offers a way to play games without ads or microtransactions, the limited selection for Mac gamers is disappointing. As more high-quality games become available for Macs, there is hope that Apple Arcade's decline can be mitigated. Some believe that Apple should consider dropping the requirement for developers to make games compatible with both mobile and Mac. This could help improve the quality and enjoyment of games specifically designed for desktops. It may be the key to a thriving Mac gaming community.