Apple has acquired RAC7, the developer of the popular game Sneaky Sasquatch, marking the first time that the Cupertino company incorporates a dedicated video game studio into its infrastructure. This acquisition aims to expand the player base of Sneaky Sasquatch within Apple Arcade, a subscription service launched in 2019 that has sought to attract both casual gamers and renowned developers.
Apple seems to want to strengthen its video game division
An Apple spokesperson expressed their enthusiasm for the addition of the RAC7 team, which consists of only two people, stating: “We love Sneaky Sasquatch and are excited that the RAC7 team has joined Apple to continue their work with us.” The company plans to continue providing an enriching experience for Apple Arcade players, with hundreds of games available from some of the best developers in the world.
However, this is not the only initiative from Apple in the field of video games. The company will be presenting a new gaming app on June 9 at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). This new app will function as a launcher and gaming hub, allowing users to track achievements, leaderboards, and messages. It is reported that it will be pre-installed on all Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV, starting later this year.
The launch of this app coincides almost directly with the arrival of the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, which could be interpreted as a strategic move by Apple to position itself as a direct competitor in the video game market. Although some analyses suggest that the acquisition of RAC7 and the new application do not necessarily form part of a broader effort, the timing of these revelations certainly sends a clear message about Apple’s determination to establish itself in the world of digital entertainment.