Update: Apple Arcade subscribers can now get access to one of the most legendary games – Sid Meier’s Civilization VII Arcade Edition, will arrive for duty on Thursday. It’s a first for Apple Arcade, though it joins some other civilian and sim game options on the App Store.
And other new titles join it on Apple Arcade at the same time: the Retrocade a collection of classic arcade games, a whimsical adventure Felicity’s Door and I Love Hue Too+ logic game.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII lands on Apple Arcade alongside new retro games
Tea Civilization VII the launch marks a significant addition to Apple Arcade’s gaming subscription service. It offers players the ability to build empires and lead civilizations through the ages from virtually any Apple device such as a Mac, iPad, or iPhone. This mobile optimized version Civilization VII features a new game mechanic in which empires evolve throughout the various ages of human history, with players’ strategic decisions shaping their civilization’s unique cultural identity.
“Whether players choose to follow a path rooted in history or imagine new possibilities, they can create a legacy that reverberates through the ages,” Apple said in a press release. The game marks the latest major PC franchise to make the jump to Apple Arcade, following recent additions such as PowerWash simulator and Cult of the Lamb Arcade Edition.
Other Civilization games available on Apple
Photo: Apple
While Civilization VII will be the latest entry available through Apple Arcade, fans of the hugely popular strategy series can also find earlier titles on Apple platforms. Civilization VI is currently available for purchase in the App Store for iOS and iPadOS devices.
You can also find it in the App Store Civilization: Eras & Alliesfree-to-play mobile strategy game, as well as “Civ-like” games such as Battle for Polytopia+ and Urban Scenery: Sim Builder.
3 more games will join Apple Arcade in February
In addition to Civilization VII, Apple Arcade will welcome three more titles on February 5, each offering a different gaming experience without ads or in-app purchases.
Retrocade aims to transport players back to the golden age of arcades with a collection of classic games incl Asteroids, Bubble Bobble, Centipede and Galaga. The experience is especially enhanced on Apple Vision Pro, where players can immerse themselves in a virtual arcade environment that recreates the authentic atmosphere of arcades from the 1980s. The games are also playable on iPhone and iPad for those without access to Apple’s spatial computing device.
Photo: Apple
Felicity’s Door brings rhythmic gameplay mechanics to the whimsical adventure of twins Tom and Felicity alongside their companion bear Mi-chan. Players will travel through different environments from deep space to cyberpunk cities. Music drives the gaming experience.
Rounding up the February additions is I Love Hue Too+a returning App Store favorite now available as part of a subscription service. This puzzle game challenges players to arrange colored tiles into perfectly arranged color spectrums. It offers a meditative yet engaging game loop focused on chromatic harmony.
Existing games are getting updates
Current Apple Arcade subscribers can also look forward to seasonal content updates for existing titles. January 22 Crayola Create and Play+ will launch a limited-time Paddington event with winter-themed activities including snowman building, cake making and coloring.
Apple Arcade remains available for $6.99 per month with a one-month free trial or as part of an Apple One subscription package. Purchases of new devices include three months of free access to the service, which supports up to six family members on a single subscription.
This post was published on January 14, 2025 and republished with updates on February 5, 2025.
David Snowan expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technology and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, tech buying guides, and features on setting up your computer and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience in technology and other topics, he has written and edited numerous print and online publications, including CMP media, TechTV.com, OVERHANG, Cable news, Red herring magazine, Law.com, National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other things, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director of technology for ALM Media.
Snow graduated from Syracuse University with a bachelor’s degree in magazine journalism and psychology. While there he worked as a reporter for Daily orange newspaper and associate editor Same time magazine.
Founder of the blog On the water linecan be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.