Apple and Microsoft argue about the future of cloud gaming on iOS: 30% commission is the main obstacle

Apple recently relaxed the rules for cloud gaming services on the App Store, such as Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce Now. However, Microsoft and Nvidia have yet to release apps for iOS. In a statement to the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Microsoft explains why Apple’s changes are unacceptable to them.

Image Source: Apple

Microsoft has openly accused Apple of blocking the launch of the native Xbox Cloud Gaming app on iOS, mainly due to the 30% fee for in-app purchases (IAP) and strict content requirements. The company claims that these conditions do not allow it to effectively monetize the service and force developers of third-party games to remake them to meet the requirements of the App Store, writes The Verge.

In its submissions to the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Microsoft detailed the problems it faces when trying to run a full Xbox Cloud Gaming app on iPhone and iPad. The company points to a number of Apple rules that, in its opinion, limit the capabilities of cloud gaming services.

The key issue is Apple’s requirement that all features and content available on other platforms must be available in the iOS app via IAP. Microsoft believes the 30% fee Apple charges for in-app purchases makes the service uneconomical. Additionally, since developers have to remake games to comply with IAP requirements, this increases costs and complicates the entire process.

Apple, in turn, insists that it supports cloud gaming through web applications, citing the example of Xbox Cloud Gaming, which it says is used by more than 20 million people. The company also claims that developers generally have no problems with IAP requirements, citing the example of Antstream, a service that successfully launched on the App Store and offers more than 1,300 retro games.

The CMA is continuing its investigation, which began last year. The regulator is considering various options to solve the problem, including the possibility of requiring Apple to allow cloud services to use their own payment systems or launching a “reader mode” for cloud games without the possibility of in-app purchases. The CMA plans to publish a preliminary report in November and make a final decision early next year.

admin

Share
Published by
admin

Recent Posts

Despelote — goo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-ol! Review

One of my first memories (or perhaps the very first one – is it possible…

21 hours ago

Design and specifications of the flagship smartphone Sony Xperia 1 VII leaked online

A few days before the official presentation, details about the new flagship Sony Xperia 1…

21 hours ago

GTA VI Delay to 2026 Causes New Panic Among Game Developers

Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier reported on the domino effect triggered by the recent delay of…

22 hours ago

Nintendo warns it will block consoles for users who engage in piracy and hacking

Nintendo has updated its user agreement, formalizing the right to remotely disable Switch consoles if…

23 hours ago

Gigabyte Unveils X870 and B850 Aorus Stealth Motherboards with Back-Side Power Connectors

Gigabyte has unveiled the X870 Aorus Stealth and B850 Aorus Stealth motherboards for Ryzen 7000,…

1 day ago

Alienware Unveils Thin, Affordable Aurora 16 and 16X Gaming Laptops with Understated Designs

Alienware, a subsidiary of Dell known for its futuristic gaming laptops, has released new high-performance…

2 days ago