Hi everyone,
We are a small studio. Several of our puzzle games were rejected under Guideline 4.3(a) (Design – Spam), with the note that they share "a similar binary, metadata and/or concept" with other apps.
Each game is written from scratch for that title, in Unity or Flutter, without purchased templates or third-party game code, and each has its own mechanics, art and levels. In our replies we described the specific mechanics, explained how levels are generated and verified, and attached gameplay videos recorded from the games themselves. We are now waiting for a response.
For developers who resolved a 4.3(a) rejection in a crowded puzzle genre: what helped most? A phone call with App Review, a Board appeal, or changes to the name, screenshots and description? Any guidance from Apple staff would also be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!