Apple et Google se disputent les exclusivités des jeux vidéo
Securing game exclusivities has been a stable for console makers for several generations, and it seems that this practice finally reached mobile platforms.
Selon le The Wall Street Journal, Google and Apple has started offering top developers and publishers prominent placement on their App stores in exchange for timed exclusivity.
Apple has already succeeded at securing two months exclusivity for EAâs Plants vs. Zombies 2 and 3 months for ZeptoLabâs Cut the Rope 2 in exchange for a large box at the top of the App Storeâs home page.
To the extent of our knowledge, Google hasnât been able to struck deals of similar magnitude; The company however completed several smaller deals such as promoting Game Insightâs Russian app in a specific section of Google Play Store in exchange for having in-game items shaped like Androidâs robot mascot at a discounted price.
Both Apple and Google donât offer any money in exchange for game exclusivity.
In the first 3 months of 2014 Google Play downloads exceeded those of Appleâs App Store by 45%. On the other hand, App Store accumulated 85% more revenue than its competitor during the same period. The largest portions of both storesâ money come from games which account for 75% of App Storeâs revenue and 90% of Play Storeâs.
Before Android became a real threat to iPhone, Apple used to have an editorial board decide on which Apps to promote based only on the Appâs quality without regard to any other business considerations. As competition with Android heated up, the board was instructed to take exclusivity and developer relations in consideration. Whether or not this will have long term effect on the credibility of App Store promotions remains to be seen.
As usual, none of Google, Apple, EA or ZeptoLab agreed to comment on the story.