Apple Expected to Replace Game Center with Unified Gaming App Across Devices

Apple is set to replace its longstanding Game Center with a new unified gaming app across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV, aiming to create a centralized hub for launching games, tracking achievements, viewing leaderboards, and accessing editorial content. The app, expected to launch in September alongside the next iOS update, will function similarly to the Xbox app by enabling users to manage their gaming experience across multiple devices, including support for games downloaded outside the App Store on macOS. This overhaul reflects Apple's intent to enhance its gaming ecosystem and compete with established platforms like Xbox Game Pass, with a special focus on exclusive content through Apple Arcade. Supporting this push, Apple acquired RAC7, the independent two-person studio behind the popular Apple Arcade title Sneaky Sasquatch, underscoring its commitment to expanding exclusive and high-quality gaming content. The new app will also promote Apple Arcade’s subscription service and provide a more integrated and social gaming experience, replacing the relatively static and lesser-known Game Center currently tucked away in settings. Overall, this move signifies Apple's strategic effort to increase gaming revenue and user engagement across its devices by leveraging a more comprehensive and user-friendly gaming platform.