# Ultimate Rivals: The Rink

> 2019 video game

**Wikidata**: [Q106613209](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106613209)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ultimate-rivals-the-rink

## Summary
*Ultimate Rivals: The Rink* is a 2019 sports video game developed by Bit Fry, combining arcade-style hockey gameplay with a roster of athletes from various sports. It was released as part of the *Ultimate Rivals* series and is available on Apple platforms, including iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and macOS.

## Key Facts
- Developed and published by **Bit Fry**, a U.S.-based video game studio founded in **November 2013** and headquartered in **Portsmouth, New Hampshire**.
- Released on **December 13, 2019**, exclusively for **Apple ecosystems**: iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and macOS.
- Classified as a **sports video game** with **arcade-style** mechanics, supporting both **single-player** and **multiplayer** modes.
- Distributed via **digital platforms**, including the **App Store** (IDs: `1460840148` for iOS/tvOS/iPadOS, `1466909419` for macOS) and **Steam** (App ID: `1540240`).
- Part of the *Ultimate Rivals* series, featuring cross-sport athlete rosters in a competitive hockey setting.
- Country of origin: **United States**.

## FAQs
### Q: What platforms is *Ultimate Rivals: The Rink* available on?
A: The game is available on **iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and macOS**, with separate App Store listings for mobile/Apple TV (`1460840148`) and macOS (`1466909419`). It is also distributed on **Steam** for PC.

### Q: Who developed *Ultimate Rivals: The Rink*?
A: The game was developed and published by **Bit Fry**, a U.S. video game studio founded in **2013** and based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

### Q: What type of game is *Ultimate Rivals: The Rink*?
A: It is a **sports video game** with **arcade-style** gameplay, focusing on hockey but featuring athletes from multiple sports. It supports both **single-player** and **multiplayer** modes.

### Q: When was *Ultimate Rivals: The Rink* released?
A: The game was released on **December 13, 2019**, initially as part of Apple Arcade’s launch lineup.

### Q: Is *Ultimate Rivals: The Rink* part of a series?
A: Yes, it is part of the *Ultimate Rivals* series, which includes other sports-themed games with cross-sport athlete rosters.

## Why It Matters
*Ultimate Rivals: The Rink* stands out as a unique blend of **arcade sports gameplay** and **cross-sport athlete integration**, offering a fresh take on hockey video games. Its release as part of **Apple Arcade’s early lineup** highlighted the platform’s push for exclusive, high-quality mobile and TV gaming experiences. By featuring athletes from diverse sports in a single game, it appealed to a broader audience beyond traditional hockey fans. The game also demonstrated **Bit Fry’s** ability to innovate within the sports genre, leveraging accessible controls and fast-paced action to attract casual and competitive players alike. Its multiplatform availability on Apple devices further solidified its role in expanding the reach of premium mobile gaming.

## Notable For
- **Cross-sport roster**: Features athletes from multiple sports competing in a hockey setting, a rare concept in sports video games.
- **Apple Arcade launch title**: One of the early exclusive games available on Apple’s subscription gaming service at launch.
- **Multiplatform Apple support**: Released simultaneously on **iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and macOS**, showcasing Bit Fry’s technical versatility.
- **Arcade-style gameplay**: Prioritizes fast-paced, pick-up-and-play mechanics over simulation realism, broadening its appeal.
- **Steam release**: Later expanded to **PC via Steam**, increasing its accessibility beyond Apple ecosystems.

## Body
### Development and Release
*Ultimate Rivals: The Rink* was developed by **Bit Fry**, a studio founded in **November 2013** in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The game was announced as part of **Apple Arcade’s** inaugural lineup and officially released on **December 13, 2019**. It was designed to leverage Apple’s hardware capabilities across **iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and macOS**, with tailored App Store IDs for each platform.

### Gameplay and Features
The game combines **hockey mechanics** with an **arcade-style** approach, emphasizing accessibility and quick matches. Key features include:
- **Single-player and multiplayer modes**, allowing solo play or competitive matches.
- A **roster of athletes from various sports**, not limited to hockey players, creating a unique crossover experience.
- **Fast-paced gameplay** with simplified controls, targeting both casual and core gamers.

### Platforms and Distribution
- **Apple platforms**:
  - **iOS/iPadOS/tvOS**: App Store ID `1460840148`.
  - **macOS**: App Store ID `1466909419`.
- **Steam**: Released later for PC under Steam App ID `1540240`.
- **Digital distribution only**, with no physical release.

### Reception and Legacy
As an **Apple Arcade launch title**, *Ultimate Rivals: The Rink* helped establish the service’s reputation for exclusive, family-friendly games. Its cross-sport concept and arcade design set it apart from traditional sports simulations, though it remained niche compared to mainstream franchises. The game’s expansion to **Steam** in 2021 broadened its audience, demonstrating Bit Fry’s commitment to multiplatform support.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "VideoGame",
  "name": "Ultimate Rivals: The Rink",
  "description": "A 2019 arcade-style sports video game featuring cross-sport athletes in hockey gameplay, developed by Bit Fry.",
  "url": "https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ultimate-rivals-the-rink/id1460840148",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106613209",
    "https://store.steampowered.com/app/1540240/Ultimate_Rivals_The_Rink/"
  ],
  "gamePlatform": [
    "iOS",
    "iPadOS",
    "tvOS",
    "macOS",
    "Steam"
  ],
  "author": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Bit Fry"
  },
  "genre": [
    "SportsVideoGame",
    "ArcadeGame"
  ],
  "operatingSystem": [
    "iOS",
    "iPadOS",
    "tvOS",
    "macOS"
  ],
  "datePublished": "2019-12-13",
  "applicationCategory": "Game"
}

## References

1. PCGamingWiki
2. App Store (Apple)
3. [Source](https://twitter.com/AppleArcade/status/1205548859520241664)
4. GameSpot
5. Q124398839