Apple acquires RAC7, its first video game studio
In a rare and unexpected move, Apple has made its first-ever video game studio acquisition, welcoming the two-person team behind Sneaky Sasquatch—RAC7—into the fold. While Apple insists this is a unique, situational acquisition rather than a broader shift in strategy, the decision offers meaningful insight into how the tech giant views the future of its subscription-based gaming service, Apple Arcade.
A Strategic Yet Singular Move
RAC7 is an indie game studio made up of just two developers, best known for its breakout Apple Arcade hit Sneaky Sasquatch. Since its debut in 2019, the quirky, kid-friendly adventure game has not only stood out among Apple Arcade’s 71 launch titles but has also enjoyed a cult-like following and a steady stream of content updates. Apple recognized the game's enduring appeal and cultural footprint—“We hear from customers all over the world whose kids want Sneaky Sasquatch birthday parties!” said Apple Arcade Senior Director Alex Rofman in an earlier interview.
Apple’s acquisition of RAC7 is a testament to how important Sneaky Sasquatch has become within its gaming ecosystem. "We love Sneaky Sasquatch and are excited that the 2-person RAC7 team has joined Apple to continue their work on it with us," said a company spokesperson. Still, Apple emphasizes that this isn't the start of a new acquisition trend. Instead, the company saw a chance to deepen collaboration and help the game evolve further—something they felt was best accomplished by bringing the team in-house.
What It Means for Apple Arcade
The timing of this acquisition signals that Apple remains deeply committed to Apple Arcade, even if it’s doing so quietly and selectively. While much of the mainstream gaming conversation remains focused on blockbuster franchises and multi-billion-dollar publishers, Apple continues to double down on a curated, family-friendly ecosystem of titles that emphasize creativity, fun, and accessibility. With recent additions like Gears & Goo (exclusive to Apple Vision Pro) and a new Katamari Damacy title, Apple Arcade continues to expand its catalog with both new and nostalgic experiences.
Importantly, Apple also made clear that this acquisition doesn’t mark a shift away from working with external developers. The company says it will continue to collaborate with a broad range of third-party studios—both indie and established—to deliver content to the platform. RAC7 joins a growing cadre of independent developers like Lykke Studios and Triband Games who have played pivotal roles in shaping Apple Arcade’s distinct identity.
A Look Ahead
While the acquisition of RAC7 might be a one-off, it reveals a great deal about Apple’s vision for the future of its gaming service. The move highlights the company’s willingness to support standout creators who resonate with its audience—particularly when those creators show consistent innovation and staying power.
By bringing RAC7 in-house, Apple gains more control over one of its most successful Arcade properties, reinforcing the company’s belief in long-term, quality-driven content over flashy trends. Whether or not other developers will follow RAC7’s path into Apple’s ecosystem remains to be seen, but for now, fans of Sneaky Sasquatch can rest assured: their favorite mischievous Bigfoot isn’t going anywhere.
