Apple recently changed its store rules to allow cloud gaming. But this concession is far from satisfying Microsoft, which is preparing to launch its xCloud service.
© Presse-citron.net
Gradually, cloud gaming is gaining ground. As a reminder, this consists of launching the video games in the cloud, then streaming the images to the user's device. As a result, it is no longer essential to have a next-gen console or a gaming PC to play AAA titles. Regarding the offer, Google already offers Stadia and Microsoft is preparing to launch its xCloud service.
Normally, cloud gaming should make it possible to play console video games on smartphones. But the problem is that launching a cloud gaming service on iOS is quite complicated, because of the App Store regulations.
Apple has updated its policy to allow cloud gaming
In a recent update to the App Store rules, Microsoft is finally allowing cloud gaming. But the Cupertino company also mentions a number of rules that developers must respect.
“Streaming games are allowed as long as they meet all guidelines – for example, each game update must be submitted for review, developers must provide appropriate research metadata, games must use purchase via the app to unlock features, etc. “ , We read in Apple's announcement. “Of course, there are still Internet and web browser applications open to reach all users outside of the App Store. “
Apple makes it clear that every streaming video game must pass the App Store review as an application in its own right. And finally, the applications of cloud gaming services would therefore only be a kind of catalog that points to games on the App Store.
Here's how Apple explains it: “Game streaming services may offer a catalog app on the App Store to help users sign up for the service and find games on the App Store, provided that the application complies with all directives […] ”.
Microsoft reacts to Apple's announcement
The reaction from Microsoft, which is preparing to launch its streaming game service xCloud, was not long in coming. In a statement, the Redmond company explains that players want to go directly to their video games from the catalog of an application, as if they were launching a movie or a song, but not be forced to open “100 applications” to play to individual games in the cloud.
“We are committed to putting players at the center of everything we do, and delivering a great experience is at the heart of this mission,” the statement also read. At the moment, we don't know if Microsoft plans to launch xCloud on iOS.
In any case, Microsoft has already conducted preview tests of its cloud gaming service. And at the time, the firm had already mentioned the constraints of the App Store. In August, this preview on the Apple operating system was stopped.
“Our preview of Project xCloud ended on iOS and we are focusing on launching our cloud gaming offer, via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, to Android customers from September 15,” Microsoft explained, without giving more. details.
In recent weeks, the App Store has continued to be criticized. In addition to the cloud gaming problem on iOS, there is also the 30% “tax” which is at the heart of the conflict between Apple and Epic Games, the developer of the Fortnite video game (which is currently banned from the App Store).
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: getting started and impressions Latest video Subscribe
