Tech major Apple has introduced restrictive guidelines of its App Store in order to allow entry to popular game streaming giants like Google Stadia, Microsoft’s xCloud and many others on its iOS-enabled gadgets. However, it’s not as easy as it sounds. In an official blog post, Apple has further added that the games offered in a streaming game service subscription must be downloaded directly from its App Store, must be designed to avoid duplicate payment by a subscriber, and should not disadvantage non-subscriber customers.
Furthermore, a blog post by Apple Developer has added that streaming games are permitted so long as they adhere to all guidelines. The Cupertino-based tech giant also gave an example stating that each game update must be submitted for review, developers must provide appropriate metadata for search, games must use in-app purchase to unlock features or functionality, etc. Of course, there is always the open Internet and web browser apps to reach all users outside of the App Store.
Besides this, Apple Developer also notified that each streaming game must be submitted to the App Store as an individual app so that it has an App Store product page, appears in charts and search, has user ratings and review, can be managed with ScreenTime and other parental control apps, appears on the user’s device, etc.
According to an official blog post by Apple Developer, “Streaming game services may offer a catalogue app on the App Store to help users sign up for the service and find the games on the App Store, provided that the app adheres to all guidelines, including offering users the option to pay for a subscription with in-app purchase and use Sign in with Apple. All the games included in the catalogue app must link to an individual App Store product page.”
Asserting that the App Store is a safe and trusted place for customers to discover and download apps, and a great opportunity for developers, the official blog post by Apple Developer added, “These guideline changes and clarifications support new features in upcoming OS releases, better protect customers, and help your apps go through the review process as smoothly as possible.”
Besides this, Apple’s Developer also stated that the apps that are already on the App Store, bug fixes will no longer be delayed over guideline violations except for those related to legal issues. If your app has been rejected, and qualifies for this process, please use the Resolution Center to communicate directly with the App Review team indicating that you would like to take advantage of this process and plan to address the issue in your next submission.
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