In a new support document released on Wednesday, Apple explained in detail its policy for removing games from the Apple Arcade subscription service. First, players who downloaded the game before it was taken down will still be able to continue playing the game “after at least two weeks.” Secondly, games that have exceeded this period will receive a “no longer available” message when Apple Arcade launches.
(From: Apple Support)
The good news is that even if a game is removed from the Apple Arcade platform, developers still have the option to offer it in the App Store store, but the two versions may not be the same.
For example, as a game subscription service, Apple Arcade games are not allowed to offer in-app purchases or display ads. But after they hit the App Store, the restrictions no longer exist.
As for game archives on Apple Arcade, App Store players will be able to renew their progress as long as the developer wishes, otherwise they’ll have to start over.
[background information] Apple recently shared a list of 15 games that will soon be taken off Apple Arcade.
A source told MacRumors that when Apple Arcade first debuted, Apple only had three-year contracts with a number of developers.
With some of those contracts nearing expiration and not being renewed, that’s one of the main reasons why certain games are being removed from the Apple Arcade subscription service.
