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Apple Reportedly Considering Gaming Subscription Service

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Apple has held discussions with developers about a potential gaming subscription service, according to Cheddar's Alex Heath.

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The report, citing five unnamed sources, claims the service would function like "Netflix for games," providing paying subscribers with access to a bundle of games for a set price. Apple began privately discussing the service with game developers in the second half of 2018, according to the report.

It's unclear how much the subscription will cost, when it may launch, or what kind of games Apple will offer. Apple has App Stores full of games on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, Mac, and Apple TV, but many are free-to-download "freemium" titles supported by in-app purchases like coins and jewels.

The service, said to be in the early stages of development, could bring more visibility to paid titles like Alto's Odyssey and Monument Valley rather than freemium titles like Clash of Clans that dominate the App Store charts. Given how early it is, though, Apple could ultimately abandon the plans.

Apple has also discussed partnering with developers as a publisher, according to two of the sources cited, suggesting that the iPhone maker could handle marketing, distribution, and other related costs for select games.

Possibly of note, Apple recently expanded its iPod touch trademark to encompass gaming in the United States. While sales of the device have faded in recent years, rumors suggest Apple may be planning a seventh-generation iPod touch, which would likely be one of the cheapest points of entry for an Apple gaming service.

Apple is also expected to launch subscription-based services for TV shows and movies and magazines and newspapers this year.

Article Link: Apple Reportedly Considering Gaming Subscription Service
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2019/01/28/apple-gaming-subscription-service-report/
Using anything these days is heading to "leasing" mode. I guess the video game platforms are the leaders in this - small drops of blood.

Microsoft's software (rental) program, Google's computing mode that is off-site for the programs/OS, etc. are making for a lot of revenue. Same thing with streaming services - little hardware/infrastructure as of old, a newer system that is cheaper and central in maintenance, is the route to not just services now.

Soon, the smartphones will be available only for lease - the way the prices are headed, that would be the only way we can use these candy-bar phones.

Wonder how many people add up all their subscription services and see the cost in B/W in their budgets.
 
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Baymowe335 said:
Good. Keep adding to services.
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So is Apple actually going to be funding the development of games or are they just going to bundle a bunch of existing games together and charge for it?

I think it’s a bit disingenuous to call all these things services when there’s very little service that Apple is providing. Take games with IAP for example. Like a game that allows you to pay for more coins, or to unlock additional levels. Outside of processing credit card transactions for the IAP what service is Apple providing? And does Apple really want to be bragging about increasing revenues from people paying $9.99 to get additional dice rolls or to unlock a feature?

I’m all for Apple looking into meaningful services they can provide (and charge for) but they need to meaningful and something where Apple is actually providing a service. To me a subscription gaming service seems like nothing more than a cash grab.
 
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Sounds like a dud in the making.

Putting aside that Apple has yet to show any competence in gaming, I don't think a Netflix-model for games is really that appealing because people don't consume games the same way they consume movies, shows or music.
 
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RickInHouston said:
It's clear services want us all in monthly subscriptions. Forever,
Click to expand...

It's gonna be ugly for many when we reach Peak Subscription and the dominoes start falling. We'll see if Apple is one of few left standing (as a main player) when it all shakes out. They'll have to make some key acquisitions.
 
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Rogifan said:
So is Apple actually going to be funding the development of games or are they just going to bundle a bunch of existing games together and charge for it?

I think it’s a bit disingenuous to call all these things services when there’s very little service that Apple is providing. Take games with IAP for example. Like a game that allows you to pay for more coins, or to unlock additional levels. Outside of processing credit card transactions for the IAP what service is Apple providing? And does Apple really want to be bragging about increasing revenues from people paying $9.99 to get additional dice rolls or to unlock a feature?

I’m all for Apple looking into meaningful services they can provide (and charge for) but they need to meaningful and something where Apple is actually providing a service. To me a subscription gaming service seems like nothing more than a cash grab.
Click to expand...
If you pay Apple for it, it's a service. No one cares who they pay for something if it's easy to obtain and gives them what they want.
 
macduke said:
Apple seems to be moving away from being an innovator. People call this "services revenue" but we all know what it really is: a middle man. Was this Steve Jobs dream?
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They’re not even services Apple is providing. It’s Apple skimming off the top because it can. And should they really be so proud inceasing recenues from people wasting money on IAP games? Ooh the dice game I’m playing will give me 300 additional rolls if I pay them $99.99. What a great service Apple is providing there. :rolleyes:
 
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Baymowe335 said:
If you pay Apple for it, it's a service. No one cares who they pay for something if it's easy to obtain and gives them what they want.
Click to expand...
Other than credit card processing what service is Apple providing? Office 365 is a service. Creative Cloud is a service. If Apple was regularly updating iWork for iCloud and charging for it that would be a service. Taking 30% of someone paying to unlock a level in a game or remove ads isn’t a service.
 
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Apple has no competency or capability in this area, but if it means they'd start actively discriminating against in-app purchasing lootbox mechanics in the app store then this would at least achieve something.
 
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Ah! What we’re witnessing before our eyes is the beginning of Apple slowly transitioning into a software and services company instead of a hardware/software/services company.

All hail the new Microsoft! Woohoo!!
 
When computers were things for work and not sexy accessories children went out, played football and dodged cars. Will more gaming make anyone happier and healthier? Probably not, but lets get the share price back up.

Gaming - another major contribution to health from Apple!
 
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