With Apple's ecosystem now more accessible, a wave of new alternative app stores has emerged on iOS, each vying to be the first to truly succeed. The newest contender, Skich, aims to carve out a niche in this competitive space by focusing squarely on gaming, distinguishing itself from broader app stores like Apptoide.
Skich's unique selling proposition lies in its robust discoverability features. It employs a trio of systems designed to enhance user engagement: a recommendation engine, a swipe-based discovery interface, and a social feature that showcases what friends and like-minded gamers are playing. These elements bear a striking resemblance to the popular Steam platform, which is a testament to Skich's understanding of what gamers value in a digital marketplace.
However, while Skich's focus on gaming and discoverability is promising, it faces significant hurdles in a rapidly evolving market. The challenge for Skich, as with any new entrant, is to pull gamers away from established platforms. Epic Games Store on iOS, for instance, continues to grapple with the absence of social and discovery features that users have come to expect from services like Steam and GOG.
Big fish, small pond? Despite its compelling features, Skich's success is not guaranteed. Epic Games Store lures users with free games, while Apptoide offers a wider range of apps beyond gaming. Skich's gamer-first approach is a strong strategy, but it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to stand out in a crowded field.
The landscape of alternative app stores is also shifting with bigger publishers like EA and Flexion entering the fray. This trend suggests a future where official app stores might be overshadowed by innovative alternatives. Skich has a chance to thrive in this environment, but its journey to success will be closely watched and far from assured.
