The altstore landscape on iOS is heating up, and the latest contender, Skich, is throwing its hat into the ring with a strong focus on gaming. As Apple's ecosystem opens up, a variety of new players are vying to become the first successful alternative app store on iOS. Skich aims to differentiate itself from competitors like Apptoide by concentrating solely on gaming and enhancing discoverability.

Skich's unique selling proposition lies in its robust discoverability system, which includes three key features: a recommendation system, a swipe-based discovery system, and a social system. These features allow users to see what games their friends and others with similar tastes are playing, drawing inspiration from successful platforms like Steam. This approach addresses a common criticism of the Epic Games Store on iOS, which lacks the social and discovery features that gamers have come to expect from platforms like Steam and GOG.

While Skich's focus on gamer-first features is a compelling selling point, the question remains whether it will be enough to stand out in the crowded altstore market. To succeed, Skich must entice users away from established platforms. Epic Games Store uses free games as a lure, while Apptoide offers a broader range of apps. Skich's success is not guaranteed, but it certainly has a chance.

The future of app stores on iOS may see a shift, with larger publishers like EA and Flexion teaming up to create alternative stores. This could lead to a scenario where official storefronts take a backseat to innovative newcomers like Skich. As the altstore space continues to evolve, Skich's focus on gaming and discoverability could position it well for success, but it will need to navigate the competitive landscape carefully.