TouchArcade

TouchArcade. It is a prominent English language website and online community dedicated to news, reviews, and discussion of iOS and Android mobile games. Founded in 2008 following the launch of the App Store, the site quickly became a central hub for enthusiasts and developers within the burgeoning mobile gaming industry. Its extensive forums and comprehensive coverage have made it an influential voice in the video game journalism landscape for over a decade.

History

The site was established in September 2008 by MediaTonic, a studio later known for developing Fall Guys, capitalizing on the explosive growth of the iPhone platform and the new App Store. In 2011, leadership was assumed by Eli Hodapp, a key editor who significantly expanded the site's editorial scope and community focus during a period of rapid industry evolution. Under his stewardship, TouchArcade chronicled major shifts like the rise of freemium models, the launch of the iPad, and the expansion of Google Play. In 2023, ownership transferred to Mobbles, the developers behind the Tamagotchi-like game Mobbles, marking a new chapter for the long-running publication.

Content and features

The site's core content consists of daily news articles covering game announcements, updates, and sales for titles on iOS and Android. It is renowned for its in-depth game reviews and curated lists, such as "Game of the Week" features, which highlight standout releases. Regular columns and podcasts, including the long-running TouchArcade Podcast, offer editorial commentary and interviews with figures like Steve Jobs and developers from studios such as Supercell and Mojang Studios. The site also operates a companion YouTube channel featuring gameplay videos and developer diaries.

Community and forums

A defining characteristic is its large and active forum community, where members discuss new releases, share gameplay tips, and participate in beta testing. These forums have fostered significant grassroots movements, including successful campaigns to preserve classic games threatened with removal from the App Store. The community often interacts directly with developers from companies like Capcom and Square Enix, providing feedback that has influenced game updates and design. User-generated content, such as Let's Play threads and collection showcases, forms a substantial part of the site's ecosystem.

Impact and reception

TouchArcade is widely regarded as an essential and authoritative source within mobile gaming circles, frequently cited by larger outlets like IGN and GameSpot. Its reviews and coverage can significantly impact the commercial success of independent games, having helped propel titles like Infinity Blade and Alto's Adventure to prominence. The site has received recognition within the industry, including acknowledgments from Apple Inc. for its role in shaping the App Store ecosystem. Its forum community is consistently praised for its depth of knowledge and has become a valuable resource for both players and industry professionals.

Business model and ownership

The site primarily generates revenue through display advertising, affiliate links to the App Store and Google Play, and direct support from readers via a Patreon subscription program. Historically owned by MediaTonic and later by editor Eli Hodapp, it was acquired in 2023 by Mobbles, a move aimed at ensuring its long-term sustainability. This business model has allowed it to remain focused on editorial independence while navigating the challenges of the digital media landscape, avoiding the paywall strategies employed by some competitors in video game journalism.

Category:Video game websites Category:Mobile software Category:Internet forums Category:2008 establishments