Skich launches an alternative app store on iOS in the EU | TechCrunch

Skich, a Tinder-like app for discovering mobile games, announced Thursday the launch of a new marketplace to put it in closer competition with alternative game stores like Aptoide and Epic Games.

Skich Store, a new alternative mobile games store, will be available for iOS users in the European Union. The company plans to begin adding titles at the end of March, after the Game Developers Conference (GDC).

The announcement of Skich’s iOS marketplace follows the recent implementation of a new regulation in the EU known as the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA seeks to enhance fairness and competition by imposing a series of requirements and limitations on tech giants like Apple. For instance, it restricts iOS from banning third-party app stores.

The store interface closely resembles the current Skich app, incorporating several 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.

Typically, app stores don’t include these types of social mechanics, so this is how Skich plans to stand out. 

The company 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. Notably, this marks the first time Skich has generated revenue from its business, co-founder and CEO Sergey Budkovski told TechCrunch.

Apple, on the other hand, takes a heftier cut of 30% from developers’ earnings on its App Store, making Skich a potentially more appealing option. However, a potential struggle for Skich could be attracting a large player base compared to the established dominance of the App Store, which boasts millions of apps and games. 

Skich claims its web platform currently attracts 100,000 organic visitors per month. 

Budkovski shared that the store is expected to replace the existing Skich app in the near future. An Android version of the Skich Store is also launching in May.