In recent years, Apple has significantly intensified its commitment to gaming, driven by the introduction of M-class Mac chips, a surge in App Store subscription revenues, and the expansion of Apple Arcade. However, there’s another sector of gaming that may have gone unnoticed, yet continues to flourish: Apple News Puzzles.
The gaming landscape at Apple is improving
Apple’s engagement with gaming presents a mixed picture.
For starters, mobile gaming on the iPhone has thrived and remains successful since the inception of the App Store.
Historically, though, macOS has hampered Apple’s image as a prime destination for AAA gaming.
With Apple silicon, this narrative is shifting, as more major console titles are being confirmed for the Mac, including the highly anticipated Cyberpunk 2077.
Nevertheless, Apple still lags, as many AAA games come to the Mac well after their launch on other platforms.
Apple Arcade continues to function steadily, undoubtedly bolstered by its availability through the Apple One bundle.
However, I have found Apple’s gaming initiatives in another area particularly fascinating: the News app.
Try not to chuckle.
Apple News, and more specifically the Apple News+ service, has increasingly become a hub for gaming.
Puzzles: A surprising new venture for gaming at Apple
Apple introduced a Puzzles section in the News app with the launch of iOS 17, which has expanded over time with Apple-built puzzle games.
Apple appears to be emulating The New York Times’s highly effective strategy of engaging users with games.
These aren’t just games; they are daily challenges that keep users coming back for more.
While Apple hasn’t disclosed specific engagement metrics, the swift growth of Puzzles in News+ over the past year suggests these games are resonating well with users.
I’ve previously mentioned how News+ was among my least utilized Apple One services, yet my family has remained subscribed to Apple One Premier because my wife enjoys the daily mini crosswords.
Although my wife is not a traditional gamer, the puzzles in the News app have captivated her much like they have for countless players of Wordle, Connections, and other New York Times games.
Should Apple provide a stronger gaming narrative for Vision Pro? Definitely.
Do late AAA titles on the Mac truly matter? Perhaps, but not necessarily.
Nonetheless, the iPhone continues to dominate in the gaming market, and Apple’s recent addition of daily puzzles in the News app is further proof of that.
Have you tried any of the puzzles in Apple News? What are your thoughts on Apple’s initiatives in this area? Share your feedback in the comments.
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