A pirated iOS port of the popular game Blue Prince has climbed the App Store charts, despite not being officially sanctioned by the game's developer, Dogubomb, or publisher, Raw Fury. The unofficial mobile port, which costs $9.99, has risen to the #8 paid app in the Entertainment category on iOS, sparking concerns about copyright infringement and potential bugs.

The game's developer and publisher issued a joint statement on Monday, warning users against downloading the pirated port, stating that they have "received reports of games claiming to be Blue Prince on iOS." They emphasized that the game is currently only available on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation, and that any iOS versions are unauthorized.

A quick search on the App Store reveals the pirated port, with an icon and screenshots that appear to be from the actual game. However, the listing attributes the copyright to "DogBomb" instead of Dogubomb, and the seller is listed as "Samet Altinay," with no apparent connection to the game's official developers. A test of the game on an iPhone 16 Pro revealed a barely-modified version of the game, with some tweaks for mobile, but also a major bug that caused the player to fall through the floor.

This is not the first time Apple's App Store review process has allowed unauthorized copies of popular games to appear on the platform. In the past, copycats of games like Wordle and Palworld have also made it onto the App Store, highlighting the ongoing challenge of policing intellectual property on digital storefronts.

The incident raises questions about Apple's ability to effectively review and moderate its App Store, particularly when it comes to popular and highly sought-after titles. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter.

In the meantime, Dogubomb and Raw Fury are urging users to avoid downloading the pirated port and to wait for an official announcement on any potential iOS release. As the gaming industry continues to grapple with issues of piracy and intellectual property protection, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation between developers, publishers, and platform holders.

The incident also highlights the potential risks for users who download unauthorized copies of games, including exposure to bugs, malware, and other security risks. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it is essential for developers, publishers, and platform holders to work together to protect intellectual property and ensure a safe and secure gaming experience for users.