Apple clamps down on iTunes ratings manipulation, prevents promo code users from leaving scores
If you want to game the system, you'll have to pay for the privilege
Apple is taking further steps to ensure that iOS developers and publishers are unable to manipulate the ratings and rankings of their App Store games.
Currently, developers are given 50 promotional codes, which are designed to be passed on to professional reviewers. It seems, however, that some developers have been distributing these codes to iOS users in exchange for positive reviews.
The news emerged after Touch Arcade forum user Therealtrebitsch emailed Apple to ask why he was unable to review an app.
A reply from iTunes Store Customer Support stated: "I am sorry to inform that it is no longer possible to rate or review an app if it was downloaded using a developer’s promotional code."
As reported by PocketGamer.biz last month, Apple recently tweaked its App Store algorithm to place greater emphasis on user activity over pure download figures, thus preventing companies that offer App Store incentivisation services from 'gaming' the system.
So far Apple hasn't officially commented on either move, though both appear to be part of an ongoing strategy to discourage any kind of ratings manipulation on the App Store.
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