Despite Microsoft wanting to bring Xbox games to smartphones, Apple is resisting the company’s efforts to bring Project xCloud to the App Store.
Apple has now clarified why the company bans game streaming services from its store. And Microsoft has condemned Apple for its stance.
Why Is Apple Blocking Project xCloud From the App Store?
This news comes in the wake of Microsoft abandoning the iOS version of Project xCloud. Both Microsoft and Apple were initially silent about the matter, but Apple has now clarified its position.
In a statement to Business Insider, Apple states that it has banned Project xCloud (and other similar apps) because the company can’t screen every single game streamed on the service:
“The App Store was created to be a safe and trusted place for customers to discover and download apps, and a great business opportunity for all developers. Before they go on our store, all apps are reviewed against the same set of guidelines that are intended to protect customers and provide a fair and level playing field to developers.”
Apple prefers companies to submit games one at a time so it can screen each one. As Apple cannot screen a game-streaming service with a changing library, the company has banned these services instead.
This also explains why other game streaming services like Google Stadia are missing from the App Store.
Microsoft’s Response to Apple’s Statement
After Apple released its statement, Microsoft responded with its own. The company told The Verge:
“Unfortunately, we do not have a path to bring our vision of cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to gamers on iOS via the Apple App Store. Apple stands alone as the only general purpose platform to deny consumers from cloud gaming and game subscription services like Xbox Game Pass.”
The spokesperson goes on to claim that Apple treats gaming apps differently, holding them to different standards than non-gaming apps. Despite this setback, Microsoft is still looking for a way to publish Project xCloud on iOS. Eventually.
A Hurdle for Cloud Gaming
This is unfortunate news for gaming companies that offer cloud-based services. The combination of fiber and 5G means that streaming games is now a reality. Big names in the technology industry are developing cloud gaming services so that you can play games wherever you are on whatever device you have to hand.
If cloud gaming takes off, many gamers will turn away from the iOS App Store due to the restrictions Apple is imposing on it. As such, it’s down to Apple to decide if it wants to stay strong to its values. If it does, it risks losing customers to rival companies that support these apps. Namely, Google.
A Decisive Moment for Apple
In the past, Apple banned game streaming services without much explanation as to why. And while we now know what Apple’s logic is for this stance, it may prove troublesome for the company once cloud gaming gets established.
If you like the idea of streaming games to any device, check out these ways to play your games on any TV, PC, or mobile device.
Read the full article: Apple Bans Microsoft’s Project xCloud From the App Store
from MakeUseOf https://ift.tt/3gDfw15
via IFTTT
0 comments: