Apple, Microsoft, and the Cloud‑Gaming Showdown
Apple is basically saying no to cloud‑gaming services like Google Stadia and Microsoft’s Project xCloud on iOS. Microsoft isn’t too thrilled either, calling out Apple for its “overly strict rules” and giving the non‑gaming side a free pass.
Why Apple is stuck in a “gate‑keeper” mood
At first glance it looks bizarre: why would a consumer‑first company torch an opportunity to broaden its customer base? But peel back the layers and Apple’s logic starts to make sense.
- Apple says it can’t really keep tabs on every game that comes through these cloud services. They don’t know exactly what their users are paying for—quandary no one wants.
- Instead of risking the unknown, they’re sticking to the safer side: they’ll only allow apps that they can actually vet.
Microsoft tries to play it friendly
Microsoft counters that Apple could use ESRB ratings to screen the games backing Project xCloud—even the Xbox Game Pass lineup. They point out it’s way less of a headache to check a hundred pre‑approved labels than to do exhaustive reviews from scratch.
- “ESRB isn’t an obscure body, so why not tap into their work?”
- They’re basically saying, “Hey, we can easily verify, so let us play this game.”
But why is Microsoft still swearing? They claim Apple is favoring non‑gaming apps while shutting the door on cloud‑gaming. That’s like giving the free‑pass to one side but cutting off the other.
Microsoft’s frustration: a playful tantrum?
In plain English, Microsoft’s veto is wobbling on their subscription vision. They want the biggest pool of games for their players, and Apple’s denial feels like a wall in their road.
Yes, nobody is happy when the “ball” isn’t being played. But remember: Apple owns the iOS playground. They can decide what tricks are allowed on it.
Bottom line: Xbox Game Pass on iOS? Not happening anytime soon.
So, unless Apple suddenly flips the script, Xbox Game Pass won’t cross over to Apple devices any time soon—if it ever does at all. It’s a classic tech standoff, with a corporate attitude that’s hard to unlearn.
— Originally from Hardware Zone, now re‑shaped for a fresher, friendly read.
