Microsft's Project xCloud is just a month away from launching publicly, but the service isn't coming to iOS devices. Although the service is regarded as the Netflix of gaming, it seems Project xCloud won't be available on every platform. Microsoft's announcement regarding the service's unavailability on the iOS left many of us scratching our heads in confusion.
Well, today we know why Project xCloud won't be available on Apple devices. Both Apple and Microsoft explained their reasons with Apple stating its inability to review all games individually on Project xCloud. Microsoft's response involved harsh criticism against Apple's policies and how the company blocked the service following Project xCloud's iOS testing phase.
A Microsoft spokesperson told The Verge that Apple "consistently treats gaming apps differently, applying more lenient rules to non-gaming apps even when they include interactive content."
When talking about "gaming apps," the Microsoft spokesperson was referring to game streaming apps like Google Stadia, which was also banned earlier today and, of course, Project xCloud. Microsoft also expounded upon the situation and said that Apple's current policies are not beneficial to developers and gamers. The company also said that all games available on Xbox Games Pass are reviewed by reputable organizations like ESRB and other regional variants. This is why Apple's review of these products are unnecessary.
Nevertheless, Microsoft also stated that the company is looking for other ways to bring Xbox Game Pass and Project xCloud to the iOS platform. The company made it clear that its objective is to allow gamers to "connect and share anywhere, no matter where they are."
The unavailability of Project xCloud on iOS devices has certainly upset many anticipating gamers. Recently, Apple has also started cleaning up the App Store and is currently removing over 15,000 apps from the China App Store.
Microsoft's Project xCloud was revealed during E3 2018 and now that the service is so close to launch, it is unfortunate to see that a large number of players won't be able to participate in the cloud gaming technology.
