San Francisco, California – Apple’s App Store has once again come under scrutiny after an unofficial mobile version of the highly anticipated game Blue Prince made an unexpected appearance. Developed by Dogubomb and published by Raw Fury, the game is currently exclusive to platforms like Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation.
In a joint statement on Monday, the developers expressed concerns over unauthorized copies of Blue Prince that surfaced on iOS. The company urged users to be cautious, noting that these apps could mislead potential customers. Prior to its removal, one such version ranked as the eighth highest paid app in the entertainment category on the App Store.
The discovery of the clone was relatively simple, as it emerged as the top search result for Blue Prince. The app boasted an official-looking icon, alongside screenshots that closely resembled the original game. However, discrepancies quickly raised red flags; the seller was identified as “Samet Altinay,” a name with no known association to the game or its developers. In addition, the copyright for the app was attributed to “DogBomb,” lacking the correct spelling.
An attempt to experience this unofficial copy proved troubling. Priced at $9.99, the app was purchased and installed, revealing significant similarities to the original game but with apparent modifications for mobile play, including a virtual joystick. Gameplay soon encountered major issues, notably a glitch that caused the character to fall through the floor in a key area of the game.
In response to inquiries about the matter, Apple has yet to provide an official comment. Players who inadvertently purchased the app are encouraged to pursue refunds, as Apple has outlined the process on its support site.
The developers of Blue Prince have not announced any plans for an iOS version. In their statement, they clarified their current focus, emphasizing that if future platform announcements are made, they would be officially communicated. Meanwhile, they advised against downloading questionable apps that claim to be the game.
This incident highlights a recurring problem on the App Store, where unauthorized copies of popular games have previously slipped through the review process. Notable examples include imitations of games like Wordle and Palworld, raising concerns about the effectiveness of Apple’s oversight in ensuring quality and authenticity.
As of April 28, the disputed version of Blue Prince has been removed from the App Store, but the incident raises questions about how such copies can infiltrate marketplaces and the repercussions for consumers. Users are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious listings before making purchases.