IPhone or iPad users will be left out of the new cloud gaming services from Microsoft and Google, violating the rules of the App Store, Apple explained in a statement to Business Insider.
At the launch of Google Stadia, he was surprised that the service was not available for Apple devices. Then some conflict with the official store was rumored and it was announced that other similar services could suffer the same fate. When Microsoft discontinued testing of xCloud on iOS the case was eventually cleared up.
Apple blocks xCloud and Stadia on iOS
The Cupertino firm has made an official statement explaining the reasons. The main reason – in his opinion – is that these types of services offer access to applications that Apple cannot review individually:
“The App Store was created to be a safe and reliable place for customers to discover and download applications, and a great business opportunity for all developers. Before they enter our store, all apps are reviewed against the same set of guidelines that aim to protect customers and provide a fair and balanced playing field for developers. ”
“Our customers enjoy great apps and games from millions of developers, and game services can absolutely be launched on the App Store as long as they follow the same set of guidelines that apply to all developers, including submitting individual games for review and publication in searches. In addition to the App Store, developers can choose to reach all iPhone and iPad users via the web with Safari and other approved browsers on the App Store ».
All part of the very operation of these cloud services. The servers on which the games for these services run are not owned by consumers or located on client devices, but are located in remote data centers. Also, Google and Microsoft probably don’t want to offer in-app registration options because that would mean give Apple 30% of subscription revenue.
In other words, unless it’s a full remote desktop app, the App Store won’t allow these cloud gaming services. An example of an Apple-approved service (although there was also debate at the time) is the Valve Steam Link.
Microsoft responds
In a statement to The Verge, Microsoft says it couldn’t find a solution to bring xCloud to iOS through the App Store. And he only blames Apple for the situation: “Left alone by denying consumers the benefits of cloud gaming by constantly treating gaming apps differently and applying more forgiving rules to non-gaming apps”.
“Our trial period for the Project xCloud preview app for iOS has expired. Unfortunately, we don’t have a way to bring our vision of cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to gamers on iOS through the Apple App Store. Apple is the only general-purpose platform that denies consumers subscription services for games and cloud games like Xbox Game Pass. And it constantly treats game applications differently, applying more forgiving rules to non-game applications, even when they include interactive content. ».
Microsoft does not throw in the towel: “We are committed to finding a way to bring cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to the iOS platform. We believe that the client must be at the center of the experience gameplay and gamers tell us they want to play, connect and share anywhere, no matter where they are. We agree”.
Another controversy for the App Store. And history repeats itself. It is the most profitable app store on the planet and Apple rules it with an iron fist imposing standards widely questioned throughout the industry. And by the legislators. The same CEO, Tim Cook, as the top executives of Google, Amazon and Facebook did, had to recently testify in the United States Congress to try to explain to their lordships why they should not be accused of monopoly practices and abuse of a dominant position.
The testimony of the bosses of Big Tech it is actually one of the highlights of an investigation that has been going on for years and must end with a regulatory framework and even the “chunking” of some of these giants.
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