Apple Denies Microsoft’s Bid to Become the Netflix of Gaming
Sad news for iPhone and iPad users, the new xCloud game streaming will not be available on iOS devices.
Apple today denied Microsoft xCloud green light. Meaning, Apple users will be missing Halo, Forza Motorsport, and Gears of War in their iOS-run devices.
The new revolutionary milestone of modern technology aims to allow players to have access to Xbox games via the cloud. Users may play on their favorite game on their handheld devices, whenever and wherever they are as long as the internet connection is steady.
For a subscription-fee of $15 per month in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which currently has 10 million paying subscribers, the user may access over a hundred games on their phones and tablets. It will house an extensive library of streamable games, similar to a Netflix-style interface.
Apple said that xCloud stream gaming is a direct violation of its App Store Policy under 4.2.7, indicating that the host device and the client must be connected on local and LAN-based networks, which is not the case for cloud-streaming services.
The California-based firm defended that gaming services can launch on iOS as long as the applicable guidelines are followed. This includes submitting individual games for review, among other things. But Apple itself was not able to review every game available in the game pass before the iOS test run’s deadline.
The big technology company is now in the hot seat for treating gaming apps strictly. On the other hand, other interactive content platforms such as Netflix and Swedish music-streaming Spotify are allowed in iOS. Both did not undergo the process of having Apple to review every single of their content.
The technology giant defended that gaming is much more interactive than music and movies, and therefore requires more regulated terms.
Apple’s Treatment Against its Tech Counterparts Intentional?
The move had Microsoft commenting that the iOS developer treated gaming apps differently. Google Stadia experienced the same dilemma after being denied access to iOS in 2019.
Microsoft decides to cut off testing for iOS after the testing period allocated for the operating system has elapsed. But it will proceed it its September 15 launch on android.
The trillion-dollar firm calls out its co-NASDAQ100 leader for its stringent developer restrictions. It said that Apple denies consumers to enjoy the benefits of cloud technology through “unfair” enforcement of Appstore rules.
The company’s statement surrounded technology news. While it is Microsoft’s ambition to make cloud gaming through their Xbox Game Pass available on all devices, there is nothing that it could. It will leave Apple’s decision in the status quo.
Nevertheless, Apple gave a tit-for-tat measure. For cloud-based platforms to fully work on iOS, the developer would have to use App Store billing.
The measure had not yet addressed by Microsoft. But if it agrees, Apple will get 30% on game purchases and a monthly subscription of xCloud streamers.
For the time being, iOS users will have to accept their software developer’s decision. They will miss the latest technology news on game streaming services until their Apple considers otherwise.
