Why does Apple require payment information for a free game on multiple devices?

It is true that you will no longer be able to use the App Store if you owe money from a previous purchase. Another use for the payment method is to verify you are using the correct App Store. The region of the payment method must match the region of the device for verification. In the past, some unscrupulous users would change the region on their device to download apps and use services that would normally not be available to them in their current region, so this is one way to prevent that from happening. It makes no difference if the app is free or not.

If you can’t download or update apps on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

This has been Apple’s policy since day one of the App Store. Don’t expect it to change. You must have a payment method established to download any app, even free ones.

Hello~ We are your fellow forum members and not Apple. We can’t speculate on Apple’s decision making process as they don’t ask our opinion. If you’re being asked for a payment method…then you will need to add one.

~Katana-San~

Hey!

I believe this is required because maybe your payment method failed on a in app purchase and they are trying to recover that outstanding balance. If you haven’t paid for anything on the App Store, it is most likely that you haven’t established a payment method yet on that Apple account.

all the best,

fried fish :)