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[Rumor] Apple Is Planning A Game Subscription Service

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Published: January 30, 2019 4:15 PM

If you’re reading this website, you love entertainment. If you enjoy entertainment, you’re probably paying upwards of five monthly subscriptions for access to it. Get ready for another one.

According to “five people familiar with the matter,” Apple is planning a gaming subscription service, reports Cheddar.

Seeming similar to Xbox’s Game Pass, Apple’s service would be like a Netflix for video games. Users will pay a monthly fee to have access to a variety of games. According to the article, the iPhone creator had been in private talks with game developers regarding this service late last year. However, those reporting this request to stay anonymous.

Allegedly, Apple is also looking to publish games on the platform, say two people familiar with the matter. That said, the company refused to comment on the story.

We’ve no idea how much it will be or what games will be available. The idea is still early on, and it’s possible Apple may never follow through on it.

The Cupertino-based business has been moving into their own services for some time now. It is creating original shows to compete with Netflix, working with phone service providers to promote Apple Music, and is building a news service for 2019, reports Cheddar.

It’s reasonable to think this game service will tie into Apple’s App Store. With the games industry growing bigger every year, mobile titles are often the biggest moneymakers. That’s not to mention the rise of esports and games like Fortnite and PUBG coming to phones. Plus, last year saw game companies raising $5.7 billion in investments. A majority of that money went to mobile gaming and MOBAs. Mobile gaming is only getting bigger.

A BTIG analyst, Brandan Ross, commented on the rumors:

“The vast majority of revenue coming out of the App Store is games. Subscription has proven to be a successful way of monetizing on mobile. It is completely unproven in games except for some minor success from Microsoft, Sony, and Electronic Arts.”
Should Apple start publishing games, they can take advantage of the current subscription-heavy payment models.

Subscription services are Apple’s “fastest-growing” business arm. Ones such as Apple Music made up $39.75 billion in revenue for the company last year.

Max Moeller
| Content Writer

Blockchain, cryptocurrency, and gaming journalist. Feels most at home with a controller and something to learn about. Likes emerging things.