With Project xCloud a month away from finally launching, many are excited to try what is described as Microsoft's bid as the "Netflix of Gaming." However, the comparison to one of the biggest streaming platforms may not be apt, as Project xCloud won't be available on all devices. Yesterday, it was confirmed that xCloud will not be on iOS with many pondering why.
Today both companies clarified the situation as to why Microsoft's highly popular Xbox Games Pass won't be available on Apple devices through the xCloud service. Apple confirmed that the reason for xCloud's banning from iOS was due to its inability to individually review each game on the service.
Microsoft responded to the decision in a comment provided to The Verge, lambasting Apple for blocking its service following the end of xCloud's iOS testing period. A Microsoft spokesman explained the double standard that Apple currently has with regards to applications focused on gaming, alleging that Apple "consistently treats gaming apps differently, applying more lenient rules to non-gaming apps even when they include interactive content."
The reference to "gaming apps" includes Google's Stadia Streaming platform which was also banned earlier today alongside xCloud. Microsoft further elaborates that it believes Apple's current regulatory standards are not beneficial to either developers or gamers. Microsoft explains that all games on Xbox Game Pass have been rated and reviewed by organizations like the ESRB and respective regional variants. It is because of this prior review that Apple's requirement is unnecessary.
Microsoft concluded the statement made to The Verge by assuring fans that the company is "committed to finding a path" that will bring xCloud and Xbox Games Pass to the iOS platform. It made it clear that the key goal of the program is to provide gamers the ability to "connect and share anywhere, no matter where they are."
This news has upset many within the gaming space but the decision has not been all that surprising for many who have followed Apple's recent actions. Apple has started to clean up the service through regulation changes and actively removing over 15,000 game from the App Store in China.
As fans prepare for Project xCloud following a two year wait since its E3 2018 reveal, it is unfortunate that a significant playerbase cannot partake in Microsoft's new cloud gaming technology when it releases next month.
Project xCloud launches on September 15 for Android devices.
Source: The Verge