Several original games rejected under 4.3(a) – how to show they are not repackaged?

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Created 2w

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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!

Answer 1 · 2d

uniquegamestudio OP

2d

A short update: we are still waiting. Our first rejection came almost four weeks ago, and our detailed replies in App Store Connect (with gameplay videos) were sent more than ten days ago. We have had no response yet, either in App Store Connect or from the App Review Board.

We are not resubmitting in the meantime, so as not to add to the queue. If anyone from Apple could check whether our replies have reached a reviewer, or tell us what else we should provide, we would be very grateful. A written response works best for us, as our team is not fluent in spoken English.

Thank you.

Answer 2 · 1d

Tomato OP

1d

They send you the same message making a spam call to all of them. That's kind of hypocritical. I don't like what they've been doing lately, but Apple, Inc. is a private company. So there isn't much that you can do about it. If you respond, your will get a reply from their spam bot.

Answer 3 · 1d

Saurav3000 OP

1d

Since you'd prefer to keep things in writing, I'd skip the App Review appointment, as it's a live video call. A few things you can still do while you wait:

Get your screenshots and description ready for your next submission. The 4.3(a) message includes "concept", and in a crowded puzzle genre the first screenshots are often what makes a game look like the others. Make the first two show the mechanic that's actually different, not the general look.
Check whether your games share an engine setup, SDK stack or internal framework. 4.3(a) also covers apps that are too similar to each other, not only to other developers' apps, so several games from one studio getting the same rejection at once can be a sign of that.
When the Board replies, answer in App Store Connect with short, numbered points. Clear and specific is easier for a reviewer to act on than long paragraphs.

If it helps, I'm happy to read over your appeal or replies before you send them and help make the English clear and direct. No charge, just email me at saurav@getappflight.co.