Skich is the next competitor to take a swing at the new alternative app store market

Skich: A New Contender in the iOS Alt-App Store Arena

Apple's ecosystem has exploded with new alt-app stores vying for dominance. The latest entrant, Skich, is making a bold move by focusing exclusively on gaming. Can it carve out a niche in this rapidly expanding market?

Skich's core strategy centers on enhanced discoverability. It boasts three key features: a recommendation engine, a swipe-based browsing system, and a social network integrated with friend lists, allowing users to see what others with similar gaming preferences are playing. This approach mirrors the success of Steam, leveraging familiar mechanics to attract users.

One significant weakness of competitors like the Epic Games Store on iOS is the lack of robust social features and discoverability tools, features that Steam and GOG users value highly. Skich aims to capitalize on this gap.

Can Skich Succeed?

Skich's gamer-centric approach is a strong selling point. However, its success is far from guaranteed. Other alt-app stores offer different enticements: Epic Games Store with free games, and Apptoide with its broader app selection. Skich needs a compelling reason to lure users away from established platforms.

The landscape is shifting, though. Increased involvement from major publishers like EA and Flexion suggests a future where official app stores might be challenged by innovative alternatives. Skich's success will depend on its ability to not only offer a superior gaming experience but also build a strong and engaged community.

A screenshot of the alternative app store skich showing a variety of games on offer