Apple acquires RAC7

Apple acquires RAC7, its first-ever video game studio

Apple may enter the game development industry.

In a strategic move, Apple has acquired indie game studio RAC7—marking its first-ever purchase of a game development studio. The two-person team gained recognition for Sneaky Sasquatch, a critically acclaimed Apple Arcade exclusive that launched alongside the subscription service’s debut in 2019 and remains one of its most popular titles.

WWDC Gaming Expansion Leaked

According to a Bloomberg report, Apple plans to unveil a dedicated gaming app at June’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). This system-level game launcher will come preinstalled across all Apple devices—including the traditionally gaming-light Apple TV—and is expected to roll out with iOS 18 in September.

“We love Sneaky Sasquatch and are excited that the 2-person RAC7 team has joined Apple to continue their work on it with us,” an Apple spokesperson tells Digital Trends. “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.”

Key Implications:

Ecosystem Lock-In: The acquisition and native app suggest Apple is serious about gaming

Hardware Synergy: Could leverage M-series chips’ untapped gaming potential

Service Boost: May drive Apple Arcade subscriptions with more exclusives

*Fun Fact: Sneaky Sasquatch has received weekly updates for 4+ years, with over 200 versions—a model Apple may replicate for future titles.*

Apple already works with developers and game companies to create titles for ‌Apple Arcade‌, which is Apple’s subscription gaming service, priced at $6.99 per month. ‌Apple Arcade‌ has hundreds of games, with no additional subscription fees or in-app purchases.