Gamers rejoice, Apple Arcade is here

Along with three new iPhone models and details on its streaming service, Apple announced the launch of Apple Arcade — and it’s closer than you think.

After months of speculation and anticipation, tech giant Apple has finally put the rumours to rest at its annual launch event.

Apple unveiled three new iPhone models at its headquarters in Cupertino, California — the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max — boasting powerful new camera capabilities, a 6.1-inch Retina display and increased battery life. New Apple Watch and iPad revamps were also revealed.

But it was the announcement of a launch date and details for its original video offering, Apple TV+, and its new gaming subscription service, Apple Arcade, that stole the show.

While fans have to wait until November 1 to enjoy the scripted dramas, comedies, movies and children’s programs that Apple TV+ will host, Apple Arcade will roll out next Friday, September 20 (September 19 in the US).

Like Apple TV+, an Apple Arcade subscription will cost $7.99 per month following a one month free trial, and offers exclusive titles for mobile and desktop users and access for up to six family members with Family Sharing.

“We think customers of all ages are going to be delighted that a single subscription gives the whole family unlimited access of the full catalogue of amazing Apple Arcade games, all without any ads or additional purchases, while knowing every game must meet Apple’s high privacy standards,” said Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, Phil Schiller.

Upon launch, Arcade will be home to a “curated selection of over 100 new and exclusive games from many of the most innovative game developers in the world,” said Schiller.

The catalogue is set to grow in the coming weeks, with new games introduced each month.

“You can’t find these games on any other mobile platform or subscription service,” product manager Ann Thai told tech writers and devotees at the media event.

Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks onstage during Apple’s launch event in Cupertino, California. Picture: AFP

“No game service ever launched as many games, and we can’t wait for you to play all of that.”

Unlike a video streaming service, on Arcade, games can be downloaded and played offline on the Apple-made iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV, and accessed through a new dedicated tab in the App Store.

In order to give users maximum flexibility when playing, some games will support controllers, including Xbox Wireless Controllers, PlayStation DualShock 4, and MFI game controllers.

Just as Apple TV+ is the tech monolith’s effort at taking on streaming giant Netflix and the recently-announced Disney+, Arcade is their attempt to turn the mobile gaming industry on its head and add an extensive new revenue stream to the company’s books.

The launch of Apple Arcade comes at a time when video game subscription services are becoming increasingly popular, with Google also working on a mobile game subscription service for Android, called Google Play Pass.

At this morning’s event, Ms Thai also showed off some demos of the Arcade’s exclusive games.

From action and adventure to party and puzzle games, here are five of the titles debuting on Apple Arcade:

BALLISTIC BASEBALL:

From Gameloft, it’s an action-packed arcade baseball game that captures the intense battle between pitcher and batter in live head-to-head multiplayer matches.

PROJECTION: FIRST LIGHT:

From Blowfish, players follow the adventures of Greta, a girl living in a mythological shadow puppet world as she embarks on a journey of self-enlightenment, helped by legendary heroes from ancient cultures along the way.

STEVEN UNIVERSE: UNLEASH THE LIGHT:

An original Cartoon Network game, co-written by Rebecca Sugar, players will pick their favourite characters, choose which Gems are in their party, unlock new abilities and equip alternate costumes in the mobile role-playing game.

Steven Universe: Unleash the Light has been sneakily announced in an Apple Arcade press release. https://t.co/XdGWQKm7Q2 pic.twitter.com/MW0d7Zf5QV

— CN Schedule Archive (@CNschedules) September 10, 2019

OVERLAND:

From Finji, Overland is a post-apocalyptic road trip adventure where players fight dangerous creatures, rescue stranded travellers and scavenge for supplies to survive.

PAC-MAN PARTY ROYALE:

This brand-new arcade experience from Bandai Namco will feature a four-player Battle Mode where the last PAC-MAN standing wins.