Apple Makes a Sneaky Move: Acquires ‘Sneaky Sasquatch’ Developer RAC7, Signals Unique Gaming Strategy
In a surprising move that's sending ripples through the gaming world, Apple has acquired the two-person studio RAC7, the creators of the hit Apple Arcade game, Sneaky Sasquatch. Reported by Digital Trends, this marks Apple's first-ever acquisition of a video game studio, a decision the tech giant is calling a “unique circumstance.”
Why is this significant? Apple's acquisition of RAC7 is more than just adding another game to its library. It could be a sign of a deeper commitment to bolstering its Apple Arcade platform.
Apple, known for its iPhones, MacBooks, and other sleek devices, has confirmed the acquisition. "We love Sneaky Sasquatch and are excited that the two-person RAC7 team has joined Apple to continue their work on it with us," an Apple spokesperson said. "We will continue to deliver a great experience for Apple Arcade players with hundreds of games from many of the best game developers in the world."
Sneaky Sasquatch, a charming adventure game where players control a sasquatch who loves sneaking around and causing mischief, has been a standout title on Apple Arcade since its launch in 2019. It even received the Apple Arcade Game of the Year award in 2020. This undoubtedly played a role in Apple's decision.
What does this mean for the future of Apple Arcade? While Apple insists this acquisition is a “unique circumstance” intended to help RAC7 further develop Sneaky Sasquatch, the move inevitably raises questions about Apple's future gaming strategy, “The acquisition doesn’t necessarily signal the beginning of a new gaming strategy for the tech giant. Apple notes that the move is a unique circumstance, as it saw an opportunity to help the team grow its game more on Apple Arcade,” according to Digital Trends.
It is worth noting that other tech giants have previously expanded into the gaming industry by acquiring game studios. Netflix Games owns Spry Fox and Night School Studio, which created the Cozy Grove and Oxenfree games, respectively. Microsoft has also bought Activision Blizzard and Bethesda. Could this represent a shift to greater investment in mobile gaming, a market that generates approxiamtely $90 billion in revenue according to a 2024 Newzoo report?
Is this a one-off or the start of a trend? Apple says that it will continue to work with third-party studios, but the precedent has been set. If you're a small studio with a successful Apple Arcade game, an acquisition by Apple might just be on the cards.
Apple Arcade offers a library of over 200 games for $6.99/month or as part of the Apple One bundle. Will this acquisition lead to more exclusive, first-party titles? Only time will tell.
What do you think about Apple acquiring RAC7? Will this lead to a stronger Apple Arcade, or is this a one-time deal? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
