Well the issue is that they're simply behind on the update in iTunes. The apps are certainly there in their DB, and show up on search or in browse but since nobody sees them, we're getting practically zero downloads (on a free app!). From what I can tell they have apps up from the 23rd but not the 24th. There was a huge update last night... hopefully they get the 24th stuff posted before the weekend. Frustrating to say the least!
First off, regarding the secret algorithm for ranking of games. No usable info. Sounded like the secret recipe of KFC. I tried to squeeze more out of the person but all I got was the 7 day story. Some of the post regarding this seem to be well within the ballpark. Question: Caveman Test is listed under Entertainment and two game categories. So 3 listings in total. The game has enough sales to get listed in one of the 2 game categories. But never has appeared on the top 100 of this category. Is it possible that the 3rd category doesn't get ranked anymore? Just two categories? The category with enough sales is listed as my third choice. Any ideas?
Double category listing has never really worked. Double game SUB-category works. For example, if you're currently listed in: 1) Entertainment 2) Games (a) Game Subcat1 (b) Game Subcat2 You'd only show up in Entertainment. Weirdly, it's always been that way. On the other hand, if you're in Games first (as your primary category), you would show up in both the game subcategories, and not in Entertainment. If you're in entertainment as primary right now, your only hope is of showing up in top 100 entertainment, which I'm guessing is pretty hard, given how huge Entertainment is.
Thank you nattylux, Now I know what is going on. Appreciate the answer I needed. The being listed in a category but not being able to be ranked in the same category through me for a loop. So it is my fault (lack of knowledge) again.
And the issue is back after being fixed for about 6 hours. This time I noticed that a different random batch of apps are affected. Of course mine is included again just by luck. This is becoming a joke after 5 days we have ~6 hours of exposure. No support at all! Anyone else affected? A perfect example: "Giana Sisters" is actually listed under "What's Hot" right now but good luck finding it by browsing the Arcade or Family subcategories.
After 5 DAYS of trying and getting scripted answers via phone support and zero replies to email I'm more than a little mad. Basically with this issue it's like your app is not even on the app store(visibility is reduced by 99%). This is not rocket science! How can this happen for days and going on a week? Do they even know about this or is there any status page available? Any chance someone has a different way to contact Apple besides the generic iTunes Connect email address to get this issue resolved?
Well maybe because it's not selling well enough? Because the Final Fantasys came out after yours and it's ranked.
I looked up just 1 of the "What's Hot" games(Giana Sisters) and that game also has the same issue so obviously there are flaws\glitches in the system for the last 5 days. Considering that was the 1st game I picked to see if the issue was only affecting me I would say this is affecting a decent amount of apps. Of course in this case I would gladly have the issue and be listed in "What's Hot" instead!
I have a gut feeling something big is going down shortly! This moving and shuffling that is going on and the fact that no new games were highlighted last Tuesday really indicates to me that something might be coming down the pipe line. Something called " A change". Lets see what the next days bring. As to everyone caught up in this shuffle of not being listed etc. I feel for you. Caveman Test and Ufkah finally made it on to a top 100 list. It could be as simple as Apple doing a spring cleaning or playing Barbie TM and making sure all apps are fully clothed!
This is very odd "Caveman Test" is gone again. It is not listed in it's chosen categories again. This really seems to be a technical problem since it seems to affect the same games over and over again. Really recommend everyone checks to see if their apps are still listed in their respective categories. This seems now to be an on going problem.
Wow! My game and the others mentioned here(Chalkboard Stunts, Giana Sisters, Caveman Test, etc..) are gone also. So you're right that it affects the same games repeatedly. This issue has affected us for 1 week now! I have sent several emails and the result is ZERO support. Phone calls result in another ZERO. Here is my analysis: ~11% of the games in the Games->Arcade category alone are affected by this bug. The percentage has actually increased by 2-3% compared to 24-48 hours ago. This is 100% unacceptable for this to continue for 1 week and we have what options for support?
pocketjump, I am sure a lot of devs aren't even aware their apps are affected. Yesterday the new release date pages where a mess showing games out of sequence. The real problem is if you aren't listed in a category you aren't ranked as well. Making it next to impossible to sell anything.
GregH Very simple! If you go to the page" release date" in the categories you are listed under, if your app isn't present on the list your app is affected by this problem. It seems to only be the same apps that constantly have this problem. The lists did look messed up yesterday so it is possible the problem is bigger than a few apps. Just checked it is the same problem as yesterday. Caveman Test isn't on the list so zero sales again tomorrow. Look at the "Dice" page and the release dates everything is messed up!
