Skich Enters the Fray as a New Contender in Alternative App Stores
With Apple's ecosystem opening up, the race to become the first successful alt app store on iOS is heating up, and Skich is the latest contender to enter the fray. This gaming-focused alt store aims to carve out its niche by competing directly with platforms like Apptoide, but with a sharper focus on gaming rather than a broader range of apps.
Skich's core strength lies in its innovative discoverability system, which incorporates three key features: a sophisticated recommendation algorithm, a swipe-based discovery mechanism, and a robust social system. These features allow users to explore games recommended to them, swipe through potential titles of interest, and see what games their friends or users with similar tastes are currently playing. This approach might remind you of Steam, which is not a bad thing at all. Unlike the Epic Games Store on iOS, which lacks some of the social and discovery features that users of platforms like Steam and GOG have come to expect, Skich is positioning itself as a gamer-centric alternative.
**Big fish, small pond?**
While Skich's focus on discoverability and social engagement is a compelling selling point, the question remains whether this will be enough to stand out in an increasingly crowded market. To succeed, alt app stores need to draw users away from their established preferences. Epic Games Store entices users with free games, while Apptoide appeals with its broader app offerings. Skich's gamer-first approach certainly has potential, but its success is far from guaranteed.
However, with major publishers like EA and Flexion showing increased interest in alternative app stores, we might be on the cusp of a future where these new entrants could overshadow the official storefronts. Skich's journey will be one to watch as it navigates this dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape.




