Apple buys small studio behind popular arcade hit

Apple has acquired RAC7, the two-person studio behind the popular Apple Arcade title Sneaky Sasquatch, as reported by Digital Trends.

The game was a launch title in 2019 and remains a fan favorite.

Apple said the acquisition will help support the studio’s growth and affirmed its commitment to offering a diverse range of games on Apple Arcade.

The news comes amid speculation about Apple’s growing interest in gaming.

However, Digital Trends noted the acquisition may not signal a major shift in Apple’s strategy. Instead, it reflects Apple’s continued collaboration with various developers to enhance Apple Arcade.

🔗 Source: Engadget

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Apple’s rare acquisition approach defies tech industry norms

Apple’s acquisition of RAC7 represents a significant deviation from the company’s historically selective approach to acquisitions.

Unlike competitors who frequently acquire studios, Apple has a documented history of avoiding major acquisitions, with an article humorously suggesting it has a “department dedicated to avoiding mergers” 1.

This first-ever game studio purchase is particularly notable given Apple’s previous reluctance to buy gaming companies, contrasting with Microsoft’s aggressive acquisition strategy 2.

Apple’s insistence that this acquisition is a “unique circumstance” rather than the start of a trend reinforces its reputation for preferring internal development over acquiring established firms 3.

The selective nature of this purchase suggests Apple sees something uniquely valuable in RAC7 that aligns with its broader ecosystem strategy, rather than simply acquiring market share.

2️⃣ Mobile gaming dominates the growing digital game market

The RAC7 acquisition comes at a time when mobile gaming represents the largest segment of the global gaming market, accounting for approximately $92 billion of the projected $200 billion market by 2026 4.

With 95% of game sales now occurring digitally rather than through physical media, Apple’s position as a mobile platform controller gives it significant influence over how games reach consumers 4.