Skich Launches Alternative App Store on iOS in EU

- Skich launches alternative app store on iOS in EU
- Skich Store offers social features and lower commission rate
- Store interface resembles Skich app with discovery features
- Skich earns 15% commission on purchases and in-app purchases
- Android version of Skich Store launching in May
- Skich Store expected to replace existing Skich app
Introduction to Skich Store
Skich, a Tinder-like app for discovering mobile games, has announced the launch of a new marketplace, Skich Store, available for iOS users in the European Union. This move puts Skich in closer competition with alternative game stores like Aptoide and Epic Games.
The Skich Store will begin adding titles at the end of March, following the Game Developers Conference (GDC). The announcement comes after the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the EU, which aims to enhance fairness and competition by imposing requirements and limitations on tech giants like Apple.
Features of Skich Store
The store interface resembles the current Skich app, incorporating social and discovery features. These include a recommendation system that allows users to swipe left or right to “match” with games they enjoy. Additionally, users can create game playlists, access an Activity section to see what their friends are playing, and view developer profiles to explore more titles.
Skich will earn a 15% commission on all purchases made within the Skich Store, as well as on all in-app purchases made from games downloaded through the marketplace. This marks the first time Skich has generated revenue from its business.
Comparison to Apple's App Store
Apple, on the other hand, takes a 30% cut from developers' earnings on its App Store, making Skich a potentially more appealing option for developers. However, attracting a large player base compared to the established dominance of the App Store may be a challenge for Skich.
Skich claims its web platform currently attracts 100,000 organic visitors per month. The store is expected to replace the existing Skich app in the near future, and an Android version of the Skich Store is also launching in May.