Perhaps one of the most exciting things coming out of Microsoft this year, besides the Xbox Series X, is Project xCloud. Microsoft recently announced that xCloud will be available for members of its Game Pass Ultimate service starting next month with over 100 Xbox games. Unfortunately, Microsoft went on to say they would only be bringing this service to Android devices next month, leaving many with questions about the future of iOS support.
Project xCloud, for the uninitiated, is a new service from Xbox allowing players to stream games to their mobile device, and play their favorite games on the go with the help of a wireless Bluetooth Xbox controller. Recently, Xbox confirmed that the streaming service would be included with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription at no additional charge.
In a statement to The Verge, a spokesperson at Microsoft confirmed that it has ended its TestFlight period on the iOS version of xCloud, and is solely focused on the Android version going forward. However, the spokesperson went on to say, "It’s our ambition to scale cloud gaming through Xbox Game Pass available on all devices.”
Although Microsoft has not stated explicitly why the iOS version was ended, many are speculating that Apple's restrictive store policies are to blame. After a year of uncertainty, Steam was able to finally push out the iOS version of its Steam Link app after the app was initially rejected in 2018 for what Apple called "business conflicts with app guidelines." Similarly to xCloud, the Steam Link app allows players to stream games from their Steam libraries to their mobile devices.
Potentially one of the most harming policies that Apple has in place is in regards to in-app purchases. Apple demands that it receive a cut of sales on in-app purchases when they are made through a digital storefront, otherwise, they are not allowed on the app store. And while players aren't technically purchasing the games they are streaming through Project xCloud, some of these titles have microtransactions that Apple would be entitled to a cut of.
While it is disappointing for Xbox players apart of the iOS ecosystem, Android users will surely be excited for their game streaming future. Microsoft has created a multitude of different Xbox mobile gaming accessories for players to purchase when xCloud launches next month. And while some may question if controllers made specifically for mobile gaming are worth the investment, others will recognize that companies like 8BitDo, PowerA, and Razer will put out reliable products.
Project xCloud launches on September 15 for Android devices.
Source: The Verge