# Backstory vs Barcade

The clearest difference is rating: Barcade at 5.0 against Backstory's 4.4. Barcade also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 10). Backstory's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 7 months) and ratings volume (7 vs 1). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Backstory sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per year. Barcade asks for nothing beyond the download.

Barcade holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Backstory has 7 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Backstory ships an update every 2 months, Barcade every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Backstory | Barcade |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backstory/id521967972/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcade/id6739539146/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **7** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 86.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 7 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 31 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 14.0.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Unlikely Films, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/521967975) | [Barcade Holdings, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1783155692) |

## What reviewers say

### Backstory

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backstory/id521967972)

Explore the art and business of storytelling with in-depth interviews and full-length scripts. Discover innovative storytellers and gain insights into their creative processes. Access exclusive content through a digital subscription.

**Highlights:** In-depth interviews with storytellers, Full-length scripts, Coverage of storytelling art and business, Digital subscription, Bi-monthly issues

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual Subscription | $24.99 | per year |
| Issue 2 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Backstory Issue 3 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Backstory Issue 4 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Issue 5 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Issue 6 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Issue 7 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Issue 9 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Issue 12 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Backstory Issue 21 | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 In-depth interviews with creatives
- 💡 Access to scripts is invaluable
- 👍 Great resource for filmmakers/writers
- 👍 High-quality content and journalism
- 👍 Well-written and informative articles

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Download issues and server problems
- 🐛 Slow download speeds
- 🐛 Pixelated text on non-Retina displays
- 🐛 Large file sizes
- 🐛 Lack of background downloading

**Reported bugs**

- Download stalls and server connection errors
- App cannot connect to server
- Text pixelated on non-Retina displays
- Issues with Retina display support (older reviews)
- Large file sizes impacting storage

**Requested features**

- Issue synopses
- Retina display optimization (addressed in later reviews)
- Background downloading


### Barcade

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcade/id6739539146)

Discover the original arcade bar experience. Find locations offering a wide selection of classic video games and pinball machines, paired with American craft beers and a full bar. Enjoy creative pub food in a unique entertainment setting.

**Highlights:** Find arcade bar locations, View game and pinball machine selection, Explore craft beer and cocktail menus, Discover food offerings, Locate bars with classic arcade games

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Backstory free?

Backstory is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Barcade free?

Barcade is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Backstory or Barcade?

Barcade is rated higher. Backstory averages 4.4 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while Barcade averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Backstory or Barcade have ads?

Neither Backstory nor Barcade shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Backstory or Barcade?

Backstory ships an update every 2 months, and Barcade every 7 months. Most recently, Backstory was updated on October 15, 2026 and Barcade on October 9, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*