DMM Games is preparing to launch its own app store for iOS devices, with plans pointing toward a release window sometime around June 2026 or later.
The move was shared during a recent media briefing attended by Famitsu, which shared the outlook for fiscal year 2026. For context, DMM Games is a major player, with over 40 million registered users and runs hundreds of online titles, making it one of Japan’s biggest game distribution ecosystems.
The idea from DMM here is that instead of relying on Apple’s App Store, DMM wants its own distribution channel on iOS, something that wasn’t really possible before. This change is tied to Japan’s latest regulations, the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA), which came fully into effect on December 18, 2025.
This is pushing companies like Apple and Google to open up their ecosystems. This includes allowing alternative app stores, more payment options, and giving users greater choice. Even Google confirmed adjusting its systems in Japan to stay compliant with these new rules last year.
With its own store, DMM can do a couple of things differently. One is avoiding the usual 30% platform cut, which has been a long-standing complaint from developers. The other is content flexibility. The company has already hinted that it may offer R18 versions of games, something that typically wouldn’t be allowed on Apple’s main App Store.
We’ve already seen similar pressure building globally. Recently, Aptoide filed a lawsuit against Google, claiming it limits competition by controlling Android app distribution. At the same time, Japan has been actively pushing for more open app ecosystems, giving developers and platforms more freedom.
If it works, it could give publishers more control over how their games are distributed and monetized, especially in regions where regulations are starting to support that idea. But at the same time, it will depend on how smoothly Apple allows these third-party stores to function.
At the time of writing, DMM hasn’t shared full details about features or rollout plans. Given that June is just a month away, we can expect some updated news soon.
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