Microsoft's Project xCloud game streaming service officially launches next Tuesday for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate customers on Android, but iPhone and iPad users will unfortunately be out of luck.
Apple's App Store rules have reportedly made it impossible for Microsoft to integrate Project xCloud so far, but there's been a new development as of yesterday - Apple has issued new rules permitting game streaming services to exist on iOS, albeit with some pretty frustrating downsides.
According to Apple, Microsoft is free to create a catalog-style app that links out to Xbox Game Pass games for cloud streaming, but each of those games must also be submitted individually as separate apps on the App Store.
Here's what Microsoft had to say to The Verge in response:
“This remains a bad experience for customers. Gamers want to jump directly into a game from their curated catalog within one app just like they do with movies or songs, and not be forced to download over 100 apps to play individual games from the cloud. We’re committed to putting gamers at the center of everything we do, and providing a great experience is core to that mission.”
Ultimately then, it sounds like Microsoft and Apple are no closer at coming to an agreement on how to bring Project xCloud game streaming to iOS devices. Nevertheless, Microsoft has previously highlighted that it's "committed to finding a path to bring cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to the iOS platform."
As an iOS user, are you disappointed to be missing out on Project xCloud? Share your thoughts below.
[source theverge.com]
Comments 13
Imagine submitting each and every interactive TV shows of Netflix for review.
I do think that's ridiculous. The app itself I can understand having to be submitted to check its compatible, not going to affect other apps etc but each individual game running through that app is ridiculous and extremely prohibitive.
MS and Sony will both vet individual apps, DLC etc submitted by individual publishers before they are released on their platforms to ensure they don't have any 'negative; impact on their system or other apps, breach security etc. A dev cannot just make a game and release it on these platforms without MS/Sony giving them permission to do so after vetting.
Netflix too would need to be vetted by Apple (and any other platform their Apps are on) but I doubt that the content you can view on those needs to be vetted. I bet if Apple didn't like Sony's product placement in their Movies (Sony Xperia phones for example), Netflix could still have them on their App without Apple having any say.
I know gaming is different from a movie if running 'locally' - but these games are NOT running locally. To me, its pure greed from Apple as they want their 'cut' from any sales - MTX, DLC etc. If the game is 'locked' to the Apple handset, any sales are subject to Apple getting their cut and with Streaming, you can buy the extra content on any device.
Ridiculous. Each game would have already been rated by each regions classification board, Apple are just being stubborn and its going to cost them. Unfortunately not enough in my eyes.
The reasoning is simple. It's all about apple wanting to make sure it is getting a 30% cut of any in game microtransactions.
Yes, I am very disappointed. If I had the option to use Xcloud on my phone, getting myself into the Xbox ecosystem when series X/S launches is a no brainer.
As stupid as Apple Policy is, I don't think the end result of this would be a bad used experience. Honestly, I kinda wish the android app had means to "pin" direct game shortcuts or launchers for individual games into my home screen.
It's a much faster experience to jump back into a specific game, and it also has the benefit of making all games seacheable from the home screen, the way I would search for apps.
Given how big iPhones are in Japan, MS should consider working within this framework. Unless, of course, Apple starts rejecting individual games because the streamed game reminds people they can buy IAP or something...
Personally I can see it from both perspectives that Apple is sticking to its policies (as I believe it should) and also doesn’t want its own gaming platform to be wiped out, and Microsoft just want their platform on as many devices as possible.
I wouldn’t bother either way because why would I play games on my iPad when it’s easier and better to play them on the tv?
This is ridiculous. Apple can go $?!& off. When I need a new phone, I am going with Android.
I'm not affected by this since I'm all Android, but it's stuff like this why I just don't like Apple.
And this is why I have never owned an Apple product. They are too restricted on their stuff. Even back in the 80s with computers. All that going to happen to the iPhone/iPad is the same thing goes on with Mac computers. You will have a small group of dedicated users but most will just go with a Droid device because they allow more.
Imagine having an app on your phone, tablet or TV for every Netflix or HBO TV series. Apple is using excuses to turn Microsoft down.
@BlueOcean not defending Apple, but honestly would not be a big issue.
These apps would be a small client install, and they can be tossed into a folder, and the main catalog app could still serve as a central launcher.
There would be little inconvenience on the used side, the only issue I see is being at the mercy of one day apple deciding to not approve this or that game for arbitrary reasons.
Apple can do one.
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