In a rare and unexpected move, Apple has quietly made its first-ever acquisition of a video game studio, and it’s all thanks to a lovable, mischievous Sasquatch.
The tech giant has officially acquired RAC7, the two-person indie game development team responsible for the wildly popular Sneaky Sasquatch, a title that has become one of the flagship experiences on Apple Arcade. The acquisition marks a major moment not just for Apple’s gaming ambitions but also for the broader world of independent game developers.
A Sasquatch Worth Chasing
Sneaky Sasquatch was part of Apple Arcade’s original lineup when the subscription-based gaming service launched in 2019. Its quirky gameplay, where players control a Sasquatch sneaking around a national park to steal food and play pranks, quickly earned it a cult following among younger players and families.
In the years since its debut, RAC7 has continued to update the game with fresh content, expanding the world and features to keep fans engaged. What started as a simple slapstick stealth game has evolved into an open-world adventure with driving, jobs, racing, and even a Sasquatch-sized detective agency.
This consistent stream of updates and community engagement made Sneaky Sasquatch one of the most beloved and played games on Apple Arcade. Alex Rofman, Apple Arcade’s senior director, has described it as one of the most successful titles on the platform, to the extent that kids now request Sneaky Sasquatch-themed birthday parties.
Apple Speaks Out: “A Unique Situation”
In a statement to Digital Trends, Apple confirmed the acquisition but downplayed any larger strategic shift. “We love Sneaky Sasquatch and are excited that the 2-person RAC7 team has joined Apple to continue their work on it with us,” the company said.
Apple emphasized that this was a “unique situation”, not the beginning of a broader push into first-party game development. The company reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to working with a wide range of third-party developers and has no plans to convert Apple Arcade into an entirely in-house venture.
Strengthening Apple Arcade Without Going All-In
Despite Apple’s insistence that this isn’t the start of a game studio buying spree, the acquisition signals a growing seriousness about Apple Arcade. The subscription service has steadily matured since its 2019 launch, quietly becoming a home for high-quality, ad-free games tailored to families and casual players.
With big tech rivals like Microsoft and Sony investing heavily in gaming, Apple’s acquisition, however limited, shows that the company isn’t ignoring the space. Instead, it’s taking a curated, quality-first approach, focusing on games that resonate with its audience.
What’s Next for Sneaky Sasquatch?
For fans, the deal is mostly good news. RAC7 will now have Apple’s full backing, potentially allowing for more ambitious updates, faster development, and longer-term support. It also means that Sneaky Sasquatch, already one of Apple Arcade’s stars, will likely continue to receive the spotlight it deserves.
While Apple may not be building the next AAA gaming empire just yet, it’s clear the company understands the value of nurturing homegrown hits, especially when they come dressed in a furry disguise.
