The award-winning video game "Wheels of Aurelia" will be taken down from the App Store on July 25, a decision that has sparked new controversy over the preservation of video games as art.
Created by independent game studio Santa Ragione, the 2016 visual novel that takes place in 1970s Italy will be removed under Apple's "obsolete or outdated" app policy, which applies to apps that have not been updated within a specified period.
Santa Ragione Pushes Back on Apple's Decision
While broken or unsupported software is excluded from the App Store, "Wheels of Aurelia" continues to be playable on modern iOS hardware, but there's a catch. It just hasn't been updated recently — and that, as far as Apple is concerned, is grounds for removal.
In a public statement, Santa Ragione decried Apple's impenetrable policy and lack of subtlety, claiming that not every app needs constant updates, particularly self-contained narrative games.
The developers likened the removal to "delisting a book for not having a new edition," calling it a degradation of artistic integrity and a strain on small studios that already have strained budgets and limited resources.
They also added that "Wheels of Aurelia" adheres to all existing technical standards, so its removal would be more a matter of platform policy rather than performance or compatibility.
What Makes 'Wheels of Aurelia' Unique?
For those who don't know, "Wheels of Aurelia" is an interactive road trip adventure that combines branching choice with a bold visual aesthetic influenced by 1970s Italy.
You're along for the ride with Lella, a confident woman who travels down the Via Aurelia amidst political turmoil, personal experience, and random encounters. There's one of 16 possible endings for each playthrough, determined by your dialogue choices and in-game decisions.
Although the game was met with generally mixed reviews, with many citing its beauty but calling the gameplay shallow, it is a significant example of how games can utilize interactivity to explore history, politics, and identity.
Last Chance to Download the Game for Free
Because of the delisting, Santa Ragione made Wheels of Aurelia available to download for free on the App Store until it is removed on July 25. According to PocketGamer, this is probably your final chance to play the game on iOS devices before it becomes unavailable on the platform forever.
You can download "Wheels of Aurelia" from the App Store here.
Are Games Still Seen as Art?
Delisting "Wheels of Aurelia" only proves that Apple views games as throwaway commodities instead of pieces of creativity. That's not always the case, but there should be consideration for the indie game developers who do not have the funds or time to drive continuous updates.
