Apple revealed the world’s worst kept secret this week with its new Apple Games app during its WWDC 2025 keynote address, led by CEO Tim Cook. This new platform will be a true game-changer for gaming on Mac, iPad and iPhone. It is set to bring an unprecedented experience to players and developers. On Apple’s Games app community engagement and connection. It’s designed with the intent of increasing player engagement and improving game discovery.
The app allows all developers in the App Store to implement features, which has already attracted tens of thousands of developers utilizing its Game Center capabilities. The new curated section for Strategy games prominently features Apple’s commitment to gamers. This step underscores their continuing dedication to providing specialized, niche-focused content for all gaming audiences.
Game Features and Enhancements
During the WWDC presentation, Apple showcased MacOS Tahoe 26 along with the Game Overlay feature, highlighting the app’s advanced capabilities. One of the most memorable experiences was an excellent display of Cyberpunk 2077. The title was playing on a MacBook with an M4 processor, and it honestly looked freaking fantastic! This installation is a testament to the creative possibilities of Apple Games’ Metal 4 technology. Most importantly, it lets games run at an astounding 120 frames per second!
Apple Games also brings phenomenal speed and graphics to deliver the immersive gaming experience. The device boasts a Low Power Mode that increases gaming time and overall battery longevity. These improvements reinforce the message that Apple is committed to offering an unparalleled gaming experience on all of its devices.
As gameplay enablers, Glib Platonov of Doghowl Games followed with his enthusiasm for the app’s ability to transform gameplay. He stated, “The introduction of challenges and a new social layer marks a major leap forward for both developers and players. While creators stay focused on gameplay, these features bring people together in just a few taps, effortlessly deepening player engagement.”
Play Together and Challenges
The Play Together feature is easily the biggest standout of the Apple Games app. It allows for up to 16 players to drop into awesome matches at the same time! This unique multiplayer functionality creates rivalry with friends and pushes players to work together as their favorite Pokémon! Either way, Tim Garbos wasn’t alone in his excitement. As he wrote, “The Games app is going to be a game changer for playing on iPhone, iPad and Mac. These are the kinds of moments we want to create exclusive to friends, and the app helps us facilitate that.”
Apple Games is further enhanced by a host of challenges that open up the world of friendly competition. Titles such as Thronefall and Skate City: New York exemplify this feature, making it easy for players to engage with their peers. The gaming industry is dramatically changing its approach in favor of social gaming. Developers jump at the opportunity to develop more narrative driven, immersive experiences for players.
Zach Gage highlighted the importance of social connectivity in gaming, stating, “As my friends have grown up and moved away, I miss hearing about what they’re playing on their phones, and the Games app is a great way I can get a window back into their gaming worlds.”
Developer Support and Future Titles
While Apple clearly has an interest in deepening player engagement, it has an interest in nurturing important game developers. The company has put its money where its mouth is by providing support to major flagships such as Cyberpunk 2077. Other notable games slated for release on the Apple Games app include Blue Prince, Cronos: The New Dawn, Architect: Land of Exiles, Lies of P: Overture, Hitman: World of Assassination, EVE Frontier, Where Winds Meet, and Sniper Elite 5.
Glib Platonov praised the app’s usability, saying, “The Apple Games app is available in beta and it’s super easy to use. It has things like Challenges, leaderboards, friends, achievements and more.” He emphasized that players will find a smooth experience when navigating the app: “I would say that the biggest thing is that the players no longer need to jump in and (figure things out). The experience is very smooth.”
The integration of Game Center into the Apple Games app provides players with seamless access to their game data without the need for a separate application. Platonov further elaborated on this shift: “When you receive a challenge, you just accept it. You go through the app and you start playing right away. Your high score will be very easy to access and send to your friend. It’s less friction. That’s exactly what we need.”
