A few days ago, Microsoft announced that it wouldn't be bringing its highly anticipated Project xCloud service to iOS devices when it launches in September due to restrictive Apple App Store policies. The service enables players to stream hundreds of Xbox games directly to their mobile devices to play games like Gears 5 and Dead by Daylight on-the-go. Now it seems like unhappy iOS users have begun to fight back against Apple in the hopes that it will reevaluate its policies.
Apple recently announced that both Project xCloud and Google Stadia's apps would not be allowed on its platform. Apple has a set of heavily strict guidelines for apps on its store, part of which is its want to review every game that is offered on its platform. The tech company also requires that app developers pay a 30% cut of purchases on apps, and without game purchases to be made on xCloud, that might circumvent some of Apple's business.
However, Xbox fans aren't going down without a fight. A Reddit user named AvengedFADE posted on the Xbox One subreddit, giving other users upset with Apple's decision detailed instructions and tips on what they can do to make a difference. Some of these tips include sending formal complaints to Apple, the Better Business Bureau, the FTC, as well as a Change.org petition.
The post has certainly blown up with over 7,000 upvotes since it was originally posted. As part of an update, the original poster thanked everyone for their help and support and stated that this not a matter of Team iOS vs Team Android, but Team Xbox vs Team Apple. It seems like other Reddit users agree with this sentiment, as the comment section has been filled with nothing but positive comments about Android users doing their part to help.
Xbox hasn't been the only company unhappy with Apple's policies on games. Facebook recently attempted to get a gaming-based app on the app store as well, only to be stricken down by the same guidelines that xCloud and Stadia were met with. Many have begun speculating that the reason for Apple's decisions come from the fact they currently own a monopoly on game subscription services on iOS devices with Apple Arcade, however, this is all hearsay and is purely speculative.
However, the reason that Apple gives for not allowing apps like xCloud and Stadia on its platforms are a little ridiculous. Apple wanting to be able to review every game that xCloud provides seems counterproductive and redundant considering the games have already been reviewed by not only the ESRB but Xbox itself. xCloud is intrinsically tied to the Xbox brand and if a game were to be allowed on the service and was discovered to be harmful, the blame would rest on Xbox's image, not Apple's.
Source: Reddit/AvengedFADE