Santa Ragione Criticizes Apple for Unjustified Delisting of Game

In a recent statement, Santa Ragione, a prominent Italian indie game developer, expressed its discontent regarding Apple’s decision to delist its narrative game, "Wheels of Aurelia," from the App Store. The game, which has garnered critical acclaim for its innovative storytelling and design, is set to be removed despite the developer asserting that it is fully functional and compliant with current technical standards. This move, announced on July 16, 2025, has raised significant concerns about the implications of such actions on the indie gaming industry, particularly in light of Apple's dominant position in digital distribution.

According to Santa Ragione, the company has made repeated attempts to seek clarification from Apple, which has not provided a clear justification for the delisting. The only rationale offered by Apple has been its policy to remove applications deemed 'obsolete' or 'outdated.' "We announce with deep disappointment that our award-winning narrative game, Wheels of Aurelia, will soon be removed from Apple's App Store following Apple's recent decision to delist the game," the studio stated in a post on BlueSky. The developer emphasized that enforcing unnecessary updates creates significant financial challenges for smaller studios, which may struggle to allocate resources for new projects while maintaining existing titles.

"Wheels of Aurelia" takes players on a road trip across Italy in the 1970s, exploring various narratives through its unique gameplay. The game is currently available for free on the App Store, a strategic move by Santa Ragione to allow as many players as possible to experience the title before its removal. The studio's statement underscored the importance of preserving artistic works within the gaming medium, akin to how literature and film are treated.

This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of recent regulatory changes in the European Union aimed at curbing monopolistic practices by major tech companies like Apple. The EU's Digital Markets Act has prompted Apple to implement modifications within its App Store, reflecting a shift towards a more equitable digital marketplace. Santa Ragione pointed out that such regulations are crucial for fostering a diverse ecosystem in which smaller developers can thrive.

"Removing fully functional artistic works simply due to infrequent updates undermines the value and sustainability of games as cultural and artistic products," the studio stated. The developer called for a reevaluation of how digital platforms manage content, advocating for policies that support rather than hinder indie creators.

Experts in the gaming industry have weighed in on the situation. Dr. Michael Thompson, a Professor of Game Design at Stanford University, stated, "The delisting of games like 'Wheels of Aurelia' highlights the challenges faced by indie developers in a marketplace dominated by a few key players. It raises questions about the criteria used by platforms to determine obsolescence and the implications for creative expression."

Additionally, Linda Carter, an analyst at the International Game Developers Association, noted that this incident underscores the need for greater transparency in app marketplace operations. "Developers deserve clear communication regarding their app statuses, especially when significant decisions such as delisting are made," Carter remarked.

The broader implications of Apple's decision to delist "Wheels of Aurelia" extend beyond the individual game, as it raises critical questions about the sustainability of independent game development in the face of stringent platform policies. With the gaming industry continually evolving, the balance between maintaining platform standards and supporting diverse creative works will be vital.

As the situation develops, observers will be watching closely to see how Apple responds to Santa Ragione's criticisms and whether this incident will catalyze further dialogue on the treatment of indie games in digital marketplaces. The future of independent gaming may hinge on the outcomes of such discussions, particularly as regulatory frameworks continue to evolve.