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PRESS RELEASE 02 April 2021

Apple Arcade launches its biggest expansion yet, growing its award-winning catalogue to more than 180 games

Exclusive new Apple Arcade Originals games are joined by two new categories, Timeless Classics and App Store Greats, all with no ads or in-app purchases

The breakthrough gaming service adds over 30 games from today’s most celebrated gaming franchises, brands, and creators
Cupertino, California Apple today announced it is introducing two entirely new game categories and adding more than 30 incredible titles to Apple Arcade, its popular gaming subscription service for players of all ages. Apple Arcade offers breakthrough, unique benefits players love: no ads, no in-app purchases, support for Apple’s high user privacy standards, and one all-inclusive subscription offer with access for up to six family members. In addition to new exclusive Arcade Originals, including “NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition,” “Star Trek: Legends,” and “The Oregon Trail,” the service is introducing two new game categories, Timeless Classics and App Store Greats. Arcade Originals are playable across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. Timeless Classics and App Store Greats are available on iPhone and iPad.
Timeless Classics includes universally loved, quintessential genres with titles like “Good Sudoku by Zach Gage,” “Chess - Play & Learn,” and “Backgammon,” while App Store Greats brings some of the best award-winning games from the App Store to Apple Arcade, including “Threes!,” “Mini Metro,” and “Fruit Ninja Classic,” all ad-free and fully unlocked. These two new categories join Arcade Originals to bring the service’s catalogue to over 180 outstanding games for the entire family to enjoy at a great value, with no ads or additional in-app purchases. Apple Arcade is included as part of Apple One or for a low monthly subscription with a one-month free trial. 
All Apple Arcade Originals, like “Simon’s Cat: Story Time” (above), are playable across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.
“In its inaugural year, Apple Arcade won over media critics and fans for its creativity, diverse portfolio, and commitment to players’ privacy, providing a safe gaming service to enjoy with family and friends,” said Matt Fischer, Apple’s vice president of the App Store. “Today we’re launching our biggest expansion since the service debuted, now offering more than 180 great games that include new Arcade Originals, Timeless Classics, and App Store Greats. Whether it’s brand new games made exclusively for Arcade like ‘NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition,’ ‘Star Trek: Legends,’ and ‘The Oregon Trail,’ all-time App Store favourites like ‘Monument Valley’ and ‘Threes!,’ or traditional games like ‘Chess’ and ‘Solitaire,’ we have an incredible variety of gameplay experiences for everyone.”
More than 30 phenomenal games are launching today, joining an ever-growing curated catalogue of Arcade Originals, which already includes exclusives from popular brands such as “LEGO Brawls,” “Sonic Racing,” “Crossy Road Castle,” and “SpongeBob: Patty Pursuit,” as well as hits like “Sneaky Sasquatch,” “WHAT THE GOLF?,” and “Grindstone.”
Some of the new Arcade Originals games include:
“NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition” (2K Games): “NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition” on Apple Arcade delivers stunning gameplay and the hit basketball simulation experience to the service. From 5-on-5 basketball featuring the latest NBA roster to over-the-top games on Blacktop, “NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition” is filled with a variety of exciting game modes as players step into the shoes of their favourite NBA stars. The game features performance optimisations and higher graphic quality to deliver an authentic NBA experience in all its visual glory on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac.
A still from the game “NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition.”
“NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition” from 2K Games features performance optimizations and higher graphic quality to deliver an authentic NBA experience.
“Simon’s Cat: Story Time” (Tactile Games Limited): The latest game based on the highly popular animated series gives Simon and his cat their biggest challenge yet. When the tranquility of suburban life is threatened by a huge building site, they mobilise the neighbours to help restore the mysterious “wasteland” before the diggers destroy it all. As the clock ticks down, players will solve challenging match-three puzzles to help the community rebuild the gardens under the critical eye of the curmudgeonly next-door neighbour, Mr. Potts, who has a secret ancestral connection to the wasteland, which he intends to keep buried forever.
A still from the game “Simon’s Cat: Story Time.”
Based on the popular animated series, “Simon’s Cat: Story Time” from Tactile Games Limited gives Simon and his cat their biggest challenge yet.
“Star Trek: Legends” (Tilting Point LLC): The fate of the universe is in the player’s hands as they step into the role of their favourite “Star Trek” heroes and villains in the hit franchise’s official team-based RPG. Players will embark on missions, experience epic turn-based combat, and make choices that influence the entire story as they take command of the U.S.S. Artemis. They’ll warp into the Nexus, where they’ll discover new worlds and recruit over 40 of their favourite characters from the entire franchise. Each legend has its own unique set of skills, abilities, and weapons, from Spock’s Vulcan nerve pinch to Worf’s deadly bat’leth.
A still from the game “Star Trek: Legends.”
Epic turn-based combat featuring over 40 characters from the entire “Star Trek” franchise await in the new RPG “Star Trek: Legends” from Tilting Point LLC.
“The Oregon Trail” (Gameloft): A modern twist on the trials and tribulations of the road to Oregon, this official successor to the global phenomenon will immerse players in exhilarating journeys ranging from the historically accurate to the completely wild. Players will pick their traveling party, stock the wagon with supplies, and embark on an adventure filled with tough choices, new dangers, and unexpected situations. With procedurally selected random events where players’ choices affect their party and future game outcome, there’s always a new adventure on the horizon every time they play. 
A still from the game “The Oregon Trail.”
The official successor to the global phenomenon, Gameloft’s “The Oregon Trail” immerses players in exhilarating journeys with a new adventure always on the horizon.
“Cut the Rope Remastered” (Paladin Studios): The adorable Om Nom is back in the glorious 3D remaster of the internationally acclaimed “Cut the Rope” puzzle game. Featuring the most popular levels across the series, as well as an abundance of brand new levels and content, players will cut ropes, avoid obstacles, and use boosters to deliver candy to Om Nom, the little green monster that loves sweets. Fun physics-based gameplay, an adorable main character, and exciting adventures await.
A still from the game “Cut the Rope Remastered.”
“Cut the Rope Remastered” from Paladin Studios brings back Om Nom, the little green monster that loves sweets.
“SongPop Party” (Gameloft): Players will step up and prove their music knowledge with this fast-paced, competitive music-based trivia game. “SongPop Party” is the latest addition to the biggest music trivia franchise in the world, with a huge catalogue ranging from cult classics to today’s top hits. Bringing music fans together around the globe, the game pits players’ song knowledge against opponents’ online in the Arena mode, matching them up based on their skill levels and music preferences. Or players can jump into the new local and online multiplayer Party mode to compete with friends and family.
A still from the game “SongPop Party.”
Players of music-based trivia game “SongPop Party” from Gameloft can now compete with friends and family by joining the new local and online multiplayer Party mode.
Some of the new Timeless Classics games include:
“Really Bad Chess” (Zach Gage): “Really Bad Chess” is just like chess, but with totally random pieces like eight knights, four bishops, and three pawns. For chess pros, the game will give them a new type of challenge. For novice players, “Really Bad Chess” opens up the game for players to discover the joy of learning how to checkmate in their first games, instead of starting by studying openings.
A still from the game “Really Bad Chess.”
Whether a chess pro or novice, “Really Bad Chess” from Zach Gage opens up the game to new challenges.
“Sudoku Simple” (MobilityWare): A beginner-friendly sudoku game, “Sudoku Simple” uses colour to help players learn this puzzle classic. It’s easy on the eyes, starts out with smaller puzzle grids, and has adjustable levels of difficulty. If players prefer the classic colours and layout, they can simply toggle settings and access the original sudoku style.
A still from the game “Sudoku Simple.”
MobilityWare’s “Sudoku Simple” offers a beginner-friendly version of the classic puzzle.
“Backgammon” (Adikus): One of the oldest board games, “Backgammon” features a cool graphic design, soundtrack, and sound effects for gamers to play on their own or online against friends.
A still from the game “Backgammon.”
“Backgammon” from Adikus outfits one of the oldest board games with cool graphic design, soundtrack, and sound effects.
“Tiny Crossword” (PlaySimple Games Pte Ltd): “Tiny Crossword” caters to beginner, intermediate, or expert players with access to thousands of crossword puzzles of varying sizes, covering everything from movies to sports, history, and science. Players looking to keep their brains active and their minds sharp, look no further.
A still from the game “Tiny Crossword.”
Access thousands of crossword puzzles of varying sizes on a variety of topics with “Tiny Crossword” from PlaySimple Games Pte Ltd.
“Solitaire by MobilityWare” (MobilityWare): This solitaire title includes classic gameplay in addition to new modern features. Players can win crowns from daily challenges, enjoy monthly themes and trophies, and work their way up the leaderboards. Or for a more traditional feel, they can simply play Klondike Solitaire the way they’ve always remembered it.
A still from the game “Solitaire by MobilityWare.”
MobilityWare brings new modern features to the classic solo card game in “Solitaire by MobilityWare.”
Some of the new App Store Greats games include:
“Monument Valley” (ustwo games): A surreal exploration game, players manipulate impossible architecture to guide the silent princess through a stunning world in “Monument Valley.” Players will encounter mysterious monuments, uncover hidden paths, unfold optical illusions, and outsmart the enigmatic Crow People. “Monument Valley” on Apple Arcade also includes both of the game’s expansions, “Forgotten Shores” and “Ida’s Dream.”
A still from the game “Monument Valley.”
The surreal exploration game “Monument Valley” from ustwo games includes the expansions “Forgotten Shores” and “Ida’s Dream.”
“Mini Metro” (Dinosaur Polo Club): “Mini Metro” is a subway simulation game in which players design the subway map for a growing city. New stations are popping up all the time, and it’s up to the player to draw the routes that connect them. They’ll redraw lines, build tunnels, place precious upgrades, and get everyone where they need to be.
A still from the game “Mini Metro.”
The subway simulation game “Mini Metro” from Dinosaur Polo Club lets players design a growing city’s transit system.
“Threes!” (Sirvo LLC): The original number slider, “Threes!” is a tiny puzzle that grows on the player as they merge small numbers to create bigger numbers, and repeat to avoid gridlock.
A still from the game “Threes!”
Sirvo LLC’s “Threes!” is the tiny puzzle that grows on players.
“Fruit Ninja Classic” (Halfbrick Studios): The hit fruit slicing game features multiple modes for players to slice and dice their way to a high score. They can use power-ups and special bananas to maximum effect, and go crazy on the multi-slice Pomegranate.
A still from the game “Fruit Ninja Classic.”
“Fruit Ninja Classic” from Halfbrick Studios lets players slice and dice their way to a high score.
“Chameleon Run” (Noodlecake): “Chameleon Run” is a unique, fast, and challenging auto-runner with a colourful twist. The goal is for players to switch their colour to match the ground as they run and jump through expertly crafted levels to achieve the fastest time.
A still from the game “Chameleon Run.”
“Chameleon Run” from Noodlecake is a challenging auto runner with a colourful twist.
Pricing and Availability
  • Apple Arcade is available for a low monthly subscription with a one-month free trial.
  • Apple Arcade is part of Apple One’s Individual, Family and Premier monthly plans, with a one-month free trial. 
  • Providing a fun and safe platform for families around the world who are looking for great interactive entertainment, an Apple Arcade subscription gives a family of up to six unlimited access to all the games in its catalogue. 
  • Additional games launching today include Arcade Originals “FANTASIAN,” “Wonderbox: The Adventure Maker,” “World of Demons,” “Clap Hanz Golf,” and “Taiko no Tatsujin: Pop Tap Beat”; Timeless Classics “Checkers Royale,” “Chess - Play & Learn,” “Flipflop Solitaire,” “Good Sudoku by Zach Gage,” “SpellTower,” and “Mahjong Titan”; and App Store Greats “BADLAND,” “Blek,” “Don’t Starve: Pocket Edition,” “Reigns,” and “The Room Two.” 
  • Titles coming soon to the service include “Legends of Kingdom Rush,” “Frenzic Overtime,” and “Leo’s Fortune.” 
  • Game availability for the 180 titles across devices varies based on hardware and software compatibility. Some content may not be available in all areas.
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