Summary
- Apple has purchased RAC7, makers of the popular Apple Arcade game Sneaky Sasquatch.
- This is Apple’s first acquisition of a video game studio in its history.
- RAC7 will continue developing games, especially focusing on expanding Sneaky Sasquatch within Apple Arcade.
Apple makes its first gaming studio purchase – RAC7
In a historic move, Apple has reportedly acquired RAC7, the small two-person Canadian studio best known for creating Sneaky Sasquatch, one of Apple Arcade’s most popular titles. This marks the first time Apple has ever purchased a game development studio, signaling a deeper commitment to its gaming platform, Apple Arcade.
Founded in 2014 by Jason Ennis and Jesse Ringrose, RAC7 gained early recognition with indie hits like Dark Echo and Splitter Critters. But it was Sneaky Sasquatch, released as part of Apple Arcade’s 2019 launch, that became a breakout success, praised for its fun and quirky gameplay that attracted a loyal fanbase, especially among young players.
Why did Apple acquire RAC7?
According to Apple, the acquisition aims to help RAC7 “grow its game more on Apple Arcade” and continue delivering content updates for Sneaky Sasquatch. While Apple clarified this is a unique case rather than the start of a broader game studio acquisition strategy, it reflects how important Sneaky Sasquatch has become to the platform’s success.
Apple Arcade’s senior director previously highlighted the game as a key hit, even sparking themed birthday parties among young fans worldwide.
Apple also emphasized that it will continue collaborating with third-party developers of all sizes to bring new games to the service, reassuring fans that the platform remains open and diverse despite this internal acquisition.
What’s next for Apple Arcade?
Apple Arcade has been steadily expanding, with recent additions including a new Katamari Damacy game, a sequel to Space Invaders: Infinity Gene, and Apple Vision Pro exclusive Gears & Goo.
With RAC7 now part of Apple, fans can expect even more focused development on beloved games like Sneaky Sasquatch, along with continued innovation from other indie and big-name studios alike.
Conclusion
Apple’s acquisition of RAC7 marks a notable milestone in its gaming history. While positioned as a one-off move, it highlights the company’s ongoing investment in making Apple Arcade a standout subscription platform. Fans of Sneaky Sasquatch and Apple Arcade alike will be watching eagerly to see how this new internal partnership shapes future updates and expansions.
