App Store’s Games section undergoes changes, enhances subcategory pages

Frequent App Store users noticed the changes in its Games' section in mid-May by adding editorially curated lists, removing the sections including "New," "What's Hot," and "All iPhone (Free & Paid)."

The removed lists are now replaced by "Best New Games" and "All Time Greats" featured lists that allow Apple to veer away from algorithmically derived and more automated lists.

The new lists are refreshed on a weekly basis and appear alongside other lists like "More Games You Might Like," which is based on the purchase history of a particular user.

It was reported that the changes made in the iTunes App Store were done to deal with the app developers' misuse when naming their games. In order to show up on top of the list, various publishers listed their games with "AAA" or "AAAAA" or any other word that starts with "A."

Despite appearing as spam, still a number of app developers opt to do the said strategy as they think appearing on top of the list equates to more download.

The new section is not alphabetical since not all the new apps are included. It is also based on download volume and gave indie developers a chance at organic app downloads if they could compete with the traffic demand following their initial release.

App Store visitors also noticed that the Games' subcategory pages like action, adventure, racing, trivia, and many more, are displayed in the editorially curated lists.

With these changes in the pages, consumer can browse editorial collections, including "Best New Games," "All-Time Greats," "Free," and "Pay Once & Play." Also, the changes encompass banner art for subcategory pages to emphasize the best games in every section.

The changes made during mid-May however, are only evident on U.S. App Store but will be adapted in other regions eventually. App Store's decision to make some changes in their Game's section is a step to prevent developers from using spammy names for their apps just to be on top of the lists.