In a landmark move for the tech giant, Apple has acquired its first-ever video game studio—RAC7, the indie developer behind the beloved Sneaky Sasquatch. This acquisition signals a rare yet strategic shift in Apple’s approach to gaming, especially in support of its Apple Arcade subscription service.
The Cupertino-based company has long collaborated with third-party developers to enrich Apple Arcade, but the acquisition of RAC7 marks a unique investment into in-house gaming content. While Apple maintains this is an “exception, not the rule,” the move undoubtedly reflects a commitment to evolving the Apple Arcade ecosystem and maintaining exclusive experiences on its platform.
Who is RAC7? The Indie Studio Behind Sneaky Sasquatch
A Mini Team with Massive Impact
RAC7 was founded in 2014 by Jason Ennis and Jesse Ringrose, two Canadian developers who carved their niche in the indie gaming scene with clever game mechanics and heartwarming storytelling. The studio gained international recognition in 2019 with the release of Sneaky Sasquatch, which quickly became one of the most played and recognizable titles on Apple Arcade.
What Makes Sneaky Sasquatch So Special?
The game offers players the chance to live life as a mischievous Sasquatch navigating through a quirky open world, completing missions, sneaking around campsites, and even getting a day job. It’s a family-friendly, content-rich adventure that mixes humor with charm, and it has received consistently high user ratings on Apple Arcade.
Apple’s statement that they “love Sneaky Sasquatch” reinforces just how central the game is to their gaming ambitions.
Why Did Apple Acquire RAC7?
Strengthening Apple Arcade’s Core Offerings
Apple Arcade launched in 2019 as a premium, ad-free gaming subscription for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV users. The service has since grown to offer hundreds of titles, yet Apple continues to face stiff competition from cloud-based and console-exclusive services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus.
By acquiring RAC7, Apple gains:
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Full creative control over one of its platform’s most beloved games.
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The ability to expand development with Apple’s in-house resources.
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A strong signal to users that Apple is invested in quality and longevity.
A One-Time Move, Not a New Trend
Apple clarified that this acquisition is an exception, not a strategic pivot toward acquiring more game studios. The company will continue to rely on partnerships with external developers to fuel Apple Arcade’s growing catalog.
This mirrors Apple’s traditional ecosystem philosophy—control key experiences while leveraging third-party contributions for diversity and reach.
What Does This Mean for Apple Arcade?
A More Competitive Apple Arcade in the Making
The acquisition allows Apple to push the envelope in creating more exclusive, narrative-driven, and richly developed content. As more users seek console-like quality on mobile platforms, Apple is now better positioned to respond directly to those demands.
Potential outcomes include:
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Enhanced updates and story expansions for Sneaky Sasquatch.
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Broader platform integration, possibly with Apple Vision Pro or macOS.
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Expansion of internal game development resources.
The Bigger Picture: Apple’s Growing Interest in Gaming
Though known for hardware and software innovation, Apple is increasingly becoming a serious player in the gaming industry. Whether it’s through Apple Silicon’s gaming capabilities, improved App Store infrastructure, or strategic moves like acquiring RAC7, the company is laying the groundwork for a more immersive and curated gaming experience.
Implications for Developers and the Gaming Industry
While this acquisition may seem minor in scale, its implications are significant:
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Apple’s potential shift in content strategy for Apple Arcade.
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Increased competition for indie developers who may want Apple’s support without being acquired.
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Possibility of future collaborations that blur the lines between platform holder and content creator.
RAC7’s success proves that small teams with big ideas can flourish on subscription-based platforms—and that Apple is watching.
