Elsewhere, Netflix is having its own crack at mobile gaming (and, according to Eurogamer, exploring its own cloud offering). But despite an objectively solid collection of titles appears to be making little impact.
Microsoft might fare better due to its existing clout and reputation. It aims to woo third-party developers with the promise of freedom. They’ll be able to go all ‘app store-ception’ with their own app stores within Microsoft. They’ll get the option to use first-party payment systems, thereby cutting out the platform owner. Ironic, given Microsoft not allowing that on Xbox consoles.
On the face of it, this looks like the flip of Apple’s approach. It took Apple a long time to understand gaming’s range, and it rejected titles in a manner that raised eyebrows. That’s less of a problem today, but developers are still smart at Apple’s 30% cut. And gamers are irked by Apple’s nonsensical stance on streaming game services. The company effectively demands each title be a separate app, despite that restriction not being applied to other media. Additionally, Netflix is making an attempt at mobile gaming (and, according to Eurogamer, exploring its own cloud offering). However, it seems to be having little impact despite having a catalog of titles that is objectively strong.
Because of its current influence and reputation, Microsoft might fare better. It makes the promise of freedom in an effort to attract third-party developers. They will be able to create their own app stores inside of Microsoft’s and go full “app store-ception.” They will have the choice to avoid the platform owner by using first-party payment solutions. Ironic considering Microsoft forbids it on Xbox gaming consoles.
On the surface, this appears to be the opposite of Apple’s strategy. Apple took a while to comprehend the variety of games, and it rejected titles in an odd way. Even while it’s less of an issue now, developers still object to Apple’s 30% take. And Apple’s absurd attitude on game streaming services irritates players. Despite the fact that this requirement does not apply to other media, the firm effectively requires that each title be a new app.
We can debate the advantages and disadvantages of each strategy, but it’s crucial to see past the spin. Because the motivation behind app shops is a desire for control, despite the distinctions between competitors.
Microsoft touts competition and choice, but it wants to steer the narrative. It must convince the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) that it is different from the Activision agreement because it is presently under investigation. In actuality, it’s building a new walled garden, albeit one with a shorter and more porous wall. We can debate the advantages and disadvantages of each strategy, but it’s crucial to see past the spin. Because the motivation behind app shops is a desire for control, despite the distinctions between competitors.
Microsoft touts competition and choice, but it wants to steer the narrative. It must convince the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) that it is different from the Activision agreement because it is presently under investigation. In actuality, it’s building a new walled garden, albeit one with a shorter and more porous wall. I’ve got a bridge(-building game) to sell you if you don’t believe Microsoft wants to seize control of a significant portion of the market in order to achieve a long-term objective of rolling about in mountains of cash.
Even though it rails against The Man, Epic occupies a similar realm. The Verge reported that Xbox Cloud Gaming had disabled Fortnite. Why? for fear that Microsoft’s service will undermine Epic’s PC offerings.
It’s no secret that Apple has always cherished having complete control over its environment and the software that runs on its products. Gaming streaming is restricted for reasons of security and safety, but from the outside, it appears like the corporation is pulling an Epic, stifling rivalry to support its own services.
Since there are no good guys, that puts an end to the idea. People develop attachments to the Apples, Epics, and yes, even the Microsofts of the world (hello, Zune enthusiasts!) but they are all businesses out to make money. There will be hints about the advancement of games or, in higher occasions, humanity. The goal may even be attained by businesses occasionally. But in this environment, it’s important to bear in mind that everyone is focused on finding strategies to draw in a sizable user base with spending power and keep them from going elsewhere.
