Apple Updates App Store Screenshot Rules, Potentially Killing Scam Apps
This afternoon Apple updated their rules for how screenshots work on the App Store. As of today, screenshots for apps will be locked when the app or game is actually approved, and can't be changed aside from actually submitting an update for said game or app which must go through the whole approval process again.
At first blush, you might find yourself saying, "Wait what?" - Especially as there are plenty of legitimate uses for swapping around screenshots ranging from heavily promoting a potential price drop, adding review scores, or a bazillion other things. Unfortunately this exact functionality is (or, more accurately, was) a fabulous tool for nefarious developers releasing the various scam apps that people love making noise about.
The trick worked a little like this- You'd submit some seemingly innocuous incredibly basic game to Apple for approval. It'd inevitably get approved, at which point you'd change the name, description, and screenshots. Pair this with flipping out some cash to the various shady chart boosting and fake review posting services out there and you'd be in business. The most famous scam app I can think of was the release of "Pokemon Yellow" which was particularly fascinating to watch as people seemed to be buying it aware that it was not actually Pokemon Yellow with the vague hope that it'd get updated and actually work.
There's some great arguments on both sides debating whether this is a good or bad move for Apple, but if it leads to less people getting scammed it's probably a win overall- At least for the average consumer.
Source: http://toucharcade.com/2013/01/09/apple-updates-app-store-screenshot-rules-potentially-killing-scam-apps/
At first blush, you might find yourself saying, "Wait what?" - Especially as there are plenty of legitimate uses for swapping around screenshots ranging from heavily promoting a potential price drop, adding review scores, or a bazillion other things. Unfortunately this exact functionality is (or, more accurately, was) a fabulous tool for nefarious developers releasing the various scam apps that people love making noise about.
The trick worked a little like this- You'd submit some seemingly innocuous incredibly basic game to Apple for approval. It'd inevitably get approved, at which point you'd change the name, description, and screenshots. Pair this with flipping out some cash to the various shady chart boosting and fake review posting services out there and you'd be in business. The most famous scam app I can think of was the release of "Pokemon Yellow" which was particularly fascinating to watch as people seemed to be buying it aware that it was not actually Pokemon Yellow with the vague hope that it'd get updated and actually work.
There's some great arguments on both sides debating whether this is a good or bad move for Apple, but if it leads to less people getting scammed it's probably a win overall- At least for the average consumer.
Source: http://toucharcade.com/2013/01/09/apple-updates-app-store-screenshot-rules-potentially-killing-scam-apps/
Comments
A bit sad, really.
Chakku
Oh, I meant it as in it's sad that some developers were scamming their customers.
That, and now we can't edit the screenshots to promote it, the way you've described in your initial post.
Chakku
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/god-of-war/id573492197?mt=8
Yeah, it's even been reported and it is still sitting there.
Otherwise...dunno what idiot would fall for it...I mean that icon is just so bad I don't know where to start, and the seller is Hai Dinh Thi Thanh...YET it still has 112 (1-Star) reviews, which is just a fraction of true download numbers, as many user don't make reviews/ratings regardless.
Chakku
- Alex
I participated in reporting this one and today I got a follow up asking if Apple support was able to address the issue to my satisfaction. Ahem....
THE GAME IS STILL UP ON ITUNES! Hello?!
So, all that happned was the seller (as Chakku note above), changed the copyright holder/business name from Sony Entertainment to Bardados Team.
That was it. Even with all the bad reviews. The blatant ripped GOW screenshots and facts pointed out for them, it sits there for sale. My mind is blown. Taking it up a notch. Will see what happens. I am very
And even more so how little work this guy had to put into the scam. I mean take out the Ethics and its a genius money maker.
Its about time Apple finally cracks down though. Hopefully they will start upping the level of quality of approved apps overall. Yeah people would be pissed their junk is being rejected because its fully functional junk but my god Apples Concern should be the end user experience not the Developers Experience in achieving their life long dream of having their name attached to a piece of crap app that wows their mom.
For example,
I make a game for a year spending hours on it and working my heart out. I then release it with normal screen shots.
Then I get told I have won "most motivating app of 2013". Obliviously I am going to want this on my first screen shot but now I can't unless I submit an update. That's seven days after the annoucment I have to wait.
But it's good apple is doing this though because there are more scams out there then angry bird games (and that's hard to come by)
There's been a fair share of scam apps made with Gamesalad too, so hopefully this'll finally put an end to it.
Okay so, this is what my experience was with this. So as you may have read, I contacted iTunes AppStore support on this matter two times for blatant violations of intellectual property (not to mention how it crosses the developer and itunes connect agreements).
On the second escalation, support essentially said only the legal representatives of the property holder can take action (they are essentially ignoring complaints or reports from other sources) and they will only take action when addressed by that entity. No prob, I escalated it to Sony Corporate.
App removed. God of War for iOS is God no more. The end.
@RP I'm impressed they actually listens to you and followed up. I contacted a developer about thier copyrights being violated once and it was never even addressed.
Yeah, I guess when you remind the parties involved that it will potentially effect future monetary gain, reputation and more importantly customer expectations and experience, they seek the stinker out with due prejudice.
Perhaps Steven Seagal and Chuck Norris paid Mr. Thi Thanh a visit courtesy of Sony. I can see it already... (fade). A couple of old action stars cleaning up the indie dev scene, one..dev...at...a....time
Lookout indie game the movie!
Steve: "You make this game?!"
Shakes offender violently
Steve: "I said, you make this game?! 'Cause if this is da best you got, we're just gonna have to kill your app status."
Chuck: looks on and scowls. Flicks his finger, deleating the offender's digital empire of deceit.
Next scene camera half speed: Steve and Chuck walk away from Offender's residence as it begins to cave in on itself as Crumblin' Down plays as background music.
End.
Yeah, too much tea tonight for sure. ~O)