skich: New EU iOS App Store Alternative

Skich Launches New Mobile Game Marketplace

Skich, an application designed for mobile game discovery akin to Tinder, revealed on Thursday the introduction of a new marketplace. This move positions the company as a more direct competitor to alternative game distribution platforms such as Aptoide and Epic Games.

Skich Store Availability and Launch

The Skich Store, a novel alternative for iOS mobile games, will initially be accessible to users within the European Union. The integration of game titles is scheduled to commence at the conclusion of March, following the Game Developers Conference (GDC).

Impact of the Digital Markets Act

The unveiling of Skich’s iOS marketplace is a direct response to the recent enactment of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) within the EU. This regulation aims to foster greater equity and competition in the digital landscape.

The DMA achieves this by implementing specific requirements and limitations on major technology companies, including Apple. A key provision of the DMA prevents iOS from prohibiting third-party application stores.

Store Features and User Experience

The Skich Store interface mirrors the design of the existing Skich application, incorporating several social and game discovery functionalities.

• A recommendation engine allows users to swipe to indicate their interest in games.
• Users can curate game playlists for personalized collections.
• An Activity feed displays the gaming activity of friends.
• Developer profiles provide access to a wider range of titles.

These social mechanics are not typically found in conventional app stores, representing a key differentiator for Skich.

Revenue Model and Commission Structure

Skich will collect a 15% commission on all transactions completed within the Skich Store. This includes both initial game purchases and subsequent in-app purchases made through games downloaded from the marketplace.

This marks the first instance of Skich generating revenue from its operations, as stated by co-founder and CEO Sergey Budkovski in an interview with TechCrunch.

Comparison with Apple’s App Store

Apple currently retains a 30% commission from developers’ earnings on its App Store. This makes Skich Store a potentially more attractive option for game creators.

However, a significant challenge for Skich will be building a substantial user base to rival the established dominance of the App Store, which currently features millions of applications and games.

Current User Base and Future Plans

Skich reports that its web platform currently receives 100,000 organic visitors each month.

According to Budkovski, the new store is anticipated to supersede the current Skich application in the coming months. Furthermore, an Android version of the Skich Store is slated for release in May.