By Apple Acquires RAC7: A Strategic Move to Enhance Apple Arcade’s Exclusive Game Library
In a significant development for the gaming world, Apple acquires RAC7, marking the tech giant’s first-ever acquisition of a video game development studio. Known for its wildly popular Apple Arcade title Sneaky Sasquatch, RAC7 is a two-person indie studio based in Canada. With this acquisition, Apple is looking to strengthen its in-house game development capabilities and further expand the quality offerings available through its Apple Arcade subscription service.
This strategic purchase highlights Apple’s growing interest in curated, high-quality content for its gaming platform without signaling a broader shift toward a large-scale gaming business model.
Apple Acquires RAC7 to Continue the Success of Sneaky Sasquatch
RAC7 made a name for itself in 2019 with the release of Sneaky Sasquatch, an Apple Arcade launch title that quickly gained a cult following. The adventure game lets players embody a mischievous Sasquatch navigating a human world, blending humor, stealth, and quirky gameplay in a family-friendly package. Since its debut, Sneaky Sasquatch has been regularly updated, maintaining its position as a fan-favorite.
Apple praised the game’s impact, with a spokesperson stating to Digital Trends:
“We love Sneaky Sasquatch and are excited that the two-person RAC7 team has joined Apple to continue their work on it with us. 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.”
Apple Arcade Expansion Continues with Indie Developer Integration
Although Apple’s acquisition of RAC7 may appear unexpected, especially given Apple’s history of rarely acquiring game developers, this move is highly consistent with its Apple Arcade vision. The platform, launched in 2019, relies heavily on a curated selection of indie developers to maintain a steady flow of fresh and creative content.
RAC7’s previous games, including Dark Echo and Splitter Critters, demonstrated the studio’s knack for innovation and immersive gameplay. Apple’s decision to bring the duo in-house is not part of a sweeping change in gaming strategy but is instead an isolated opportunity to invest more deeply in a proven team whose work aligns with Apple Arcade’s brand identity.
Apple Acquires RAC7: Why It Matters for the Future of Apple Arcade
According to reports, Apple doesn’t intend to pursue a widespread acquisition strategy in the gaming space. Instead, it remains focused on partnerships with both large-scale studios and indie teams. However, the decision to bring RAC7 into the fold underlines a focused commitment to building standout experiences exclusively for Apple Arcade subscribers.
Alex Rofman, Senior Director of Apple Arcade, previously called Sneaky Sasquatch one of the service’s most iconic titles, even noting its popularity among younger audiences who celebrate the game at birthday parties. This cultural resonance, combined with consistent user engagement, shows why Apple acquiring RAC7 makes strategic sense.
What This Acquisition Means for Apple’s Gaming Future
While Apple continues to emphasize third-party collaboration, RAC7’s integration into Apple represents a more hands-on approach in selected cases. As internal developers, the RAC7 team will now have access to more resources and support, potentially leading to enhanced content not only for Sneaky Sasquatch but possibly future original games exclusive to Apple Arcade.
The Apple Arcade library has recently seen the addition of other unique titles, such as a new Katamari Damacy installment, Space Invaders: Infinity Gene 2, and Gears & Goo developed for Apple Vision Pro. These moves collectively point toward Apple’s focus on building a premium, family-friendly gaming ecosystem that stands apart from traditional app-based games and console experiences.
Conclusion: A One-of-a-Kind Deal in Apple’s Game Strategy
Apple acquiring RAC7 is a unique development rather than the beginning of a trend. But it does reinforce Apple’s commitment to original and exclusive content for Apple Arcade. With Sneaky Sasquatch still going strong and more creative possibilities ahead, this acquisition could prove to be a pivotal moment in shaping the future of Apple’s gaming efforts.
As Apple continues to evolve Apple Arcade, one thing is clear: quality, originality, and creativity remain at the forefront of its gaming philosophy.
