My Game is Rejected (Has Unique Features and Art Style) - Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam

Hi everyone,

I recently received a rejection for my app submission on the App Store. The rejection reason was:

"We noticed your app shares a similar binary, metadata, and/or concept as apps submitted to the App Store by other developers, with only minor differences. Submitting similar or repackaged apps is a form of spam that creates clutter and makes it difficult for users to discover new apps." (Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam)

However, my game is quite different. It features a unique pixel art style and introduces fresh mechanics, such as cleaning tasks, accepting additional missions from NPCs, and even an idle clicker-style system where players can hire workers to gather in-game points. These elements differentiate it from other apps in the same category. My game's name is quite different as well: "My Pixel Market Sim - AppID: 6742187384"

Additionally, the code behind the game is completely my own, and I even sell a popular Unity Asset on the Unity Asset Store for this category. So, I can assure you the app isn’t a repackage of anything existing. (I am the owner and publisher: https://assetstore.unity.com/packages/templates/systems/market-shop-store-and-retail-game-creator-for-both-pc-and-mobile-291107)

Can anyone shed some light on why this might have been flagged as spam? I'd really appreciate any advice or guidance on how to proceed with re-submitting my app.

Thank you in advance!

Thank you for your post. There are several factors that may contribute to an app not following App Review Guideline 4.3. Typically, these apps share a similar binary, metadata, and overall concept as apps already on the App Store, with only minor differences.

If you have questions about App Review's review of your app, we recommend requesting an appointment with App Review during the bi-weekly Meet with Apple Experts event. Sign in with your Developer ID and select "App Review Appointment." A member of the App Review team will help you with your questions regarding the review process and the App Review Guidelines. Appointments are subject to availability during your local business hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

My game was also rejected with a 4.3 rating without any reason. I spent a long time developing it and tried countless ways to appeal, but all of them were mechanically replied with a 4.3 rating without any reason. I watse lots of time on Apple. My game currently has thousands of DAUs per day on Google and a rating of 4.7. It's ridiculous that it can't even be listed on Apple. Independent developers should give up Apple. I feel discriminated against.

My Game is Rejected (Has Unique Features and Art Style) - Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam
 
 
Q