In a groundbreaking move on 28 May 2025, Apple acquired RAC7, the two-person studio behind the popular Apple Arcade game Sneaky Sasquatch. This historic acquisition marks Apple’s first venture into game studio ownership in its nearly 50-year history, signalling a strategic shift in its gaming content approach.
The acquisition of RAC7, comprising just two developers, represents a significant milestone for Apple’s gaming division. Sneaky Sasquatch, which launched as an Apple Arcade exclusive in 2019, has maintained its position as one of the platform’s most successful titles, consistently engaging players with regular updates throughout its five-year run.
Sneaky Sasquatch, lets players step into the shoes of Bigfoot, (sadly he doesn’t wear shoes, but you get the joke) tiptoeing around the forest in stealth mode,stealing picinc baskets for food, and generally causing chaos, while also, eventually learning to drive cars, disguise themselves, and ski, all while trying to avoid capture.
An Apple spokesperson emphasised the company’s enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating: “We love Sneaky Sasquatch and are excited that the 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.”
RAC7’s impressive portfolio includes critically acclaimed indie titles such as Dark Echo and Splitter Critters. The studio’s expertise in creating engaging, accessible gaming experiences aligns perfectly with Apple Arcade’s mission to provide premium, advertisement-free gaming content. The acquisition ensures continued development and regular updates for Sneaky Sasquatch, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of the Apple Arcade service.
The timing of this acquisition coincides with rumoured changes to Apple’s gaming strategy, including speculation about a new gaming application to replace Game Center at WWDC. However, industry analysts caution against interpreting this acquisition as a broader push into game development, suggesting it represents a targeted move rather than a comprehensive strategic shift.
Since launching Apple Arcade in 2019, the tech giant has focused primarily on platforms and services rather than content creation. The subscription service offers a curated selection of high-quality games from various developers, making the RAC7 acquisition a notable departure from Apple’s traditional approach.
For independent developers, this acquisition opens new possibilities for growth within the Apple ecosystem. The move demonstrates Apple’s willingness to invest in studios that have proven successful on their platform, potentially paving the way for similar acquisitions in the future.
As RAC7 integrates into Apple as its first internal game studio, the company maintains its commitment to collaboration with external developers. This measured approach suggests that while Apple remains selective in its acquisitions, it recognises the value of nurturing successful partnerships within its gaming ecosystem.
News Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/apple-bought-game-studio-first-160958024.html
