Apple Acquires RAC7: First Game Studio Buy Sparks Big Gaming Questions
- Yashna Talwar
- May 28, 2025 (UPDATED: May 28, 2025 16:07 IST)
Apple buys game studio RAC7, creators of Sneaky Sasquatch, in a surprising move. Is this a one-off or the start of bigger gaming ambitions? Here’s what it means for Apple Arcade and the future of Apple in gaming.
Apple Just Bought a Game Studio for the First Time Ever
In a surprising twist for Apple, the tech giant has officially acquired RAC7, the tiny two-person game studio behind one of Apple Arcade’s biggest hits, Sneaky Sasquatch. Yep, this is the first time Apple has bought a video game developer, and it’s kind of a big deal—even if Apple says it’s more of a “special case” than a shift in strategy.
Who’s RAC7, Anyway?
RAC7 might be a small team, but they’ve made a big splash in the indie scene. Their earlier games, Dark Echo and Splitter Critters, were creative, award-winning experiences. But things really took off in 2019 when they dropped Sneaky Sasquatch as one of the original launch titles on Apple Arcade. Since then, the game has become a fan favorite, especially among younger players. Apple even mentioned that they’ve heard stories of kids wanting Sneaky Sasquatch-themed birthday parties.
That kind of love from players clearly caught Apple’s attention.
From Indie Partner to In-House Team
With the acquisition, RAC7 is now officially part of the Apple family. That means Sneaky Sasquatch will continue getting updates, but now with Apple’s full support behind it. According to a spokesperson, the goal is to keep making the game even better while staying committed to delivering fun and quality titles on Apple Arcade.
So, Is Apple Getting Serious About Gaming?
Not quite. Apple insists that this isn’t the beginning of a new game-buying spree. Instead, they’re calling this a one-off opportunity to support a game that’s become a staple on their subscription service. Apple Arcade has always worked closely with a mix of developers—from big studios to small indies—and that won’t be changing anytime soon.
Still, it’s a sign that Apple is keeping a close eye on what’s working and isn’t afraid to get more hands-on when the right moment comes along.
Apple Arcade: Still Going Strong
While Apple’s gaming ambitions might not involve launching a full-blown console or publishing label anytime soon, Arcade is very much alive and evolving. The platform keeps adding new games every month, with recent releases like a brand-new Katamari Damacy entry, a sequel to cult favorite Space Invaders: Infinity Gene, and even Gears & Goo, a quirky title made specifically for the Apple Vision Pro headset.
In short, Apple isn’t backing off from gaming—they’re just doing it the Apple way: quietly, carefully, and with a focus on curated, quality content.
What This Could Mean Going Forward
Even if this acquisition is a one-time thing, it shows Apple’s willingness to go beyond just publishing games to actually investing in the creative minds behind them. If Sneaky Sasquatch continues to thrive—and it probably will—this might not be the last time Apple makes a move like this.
So for now, if you’re a fan of indie games or just love seeing Sasquatch get into some ridiculous antics, the future looks pretty bright.