Apple has unveiled a new video game app at WWDC25 that it feels will benefit developers as well as players by enhancing discoverability.
Apple Games is billed as an “all-in-one gaming destination for players to explore what‘s happening across their games, discover new ones, and play with friends.”
It’s essentially a unified hub where players can access their game experiences across Apple devices, letting them discover, launch, and engage with titles across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
The app will come pre-installed on iPhone, iPad, and Mac and thanks to iOS integration can appear in widgets, notifications, and the App Store.
What does all of that mean for developers? Apple says the new app will provide an “entirely new way for your games to get discovered” via personalized recommendations based on playing habits and the ability for people to see what their friends are playing. It will also highlight Game Center features and In-App Events to encourage ongoing engagement.
“Achievements and leaderboards let players track their progress from the Games app, and get notified if a friend passes their score, so they can jump back in or redownload your game—even if they no longer have your game installed,” explained Apple in a blog post.
“When you use challenges and multiplayer activities, the Games app can recommend your game in more places, making it easy for players to bring their friends in on the action. And In-App Events help you showcase new content in your game on the Home tab.”
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Apple Games pages will automatically pull the same metadata from App Store product pages—such as app descriptions, screenshots, and previews. Titles that are available on the App Store will automatically appear on the Games app, including in search results, the Library tab, and the Continue Playing section.
Discovery is at the center of Apple’s pitch to developers
Apple repeatedly stated that titles featuring deep Game Center integration and In-App Events will be prominently displayed across the new app, imploring iOS and Mac developers to “maximize discovery with Game Center.”
Apple’s video game subscription service, Apple Arcade, has been handed its own section within the app where members will be able to access the entire catalog. Developers who have titles on the platform will also be spotlighted here.
Apple Games is available now in beta form and is expected to launch this fall. You can find out more about the new app on the Apple Games website.