The CEO of Microsoft’s gaming division feels that iOS isn’t open enough for Xbox gaming

Microsoft’s Phil Spencer talks about how the company is expanding the reach of its Xbox games to other platforms in a recent interview, but he doesn’t think iOS will be a good fit for them. Microsoft is branching out from Windows and the Xbox game system by bringing video games to the Nintendo Switch and Sony PS5. Therefore, it makes sense that the corporation would port its games to the iPhone natively if it wanted to get them into as many hands as possible. However, as of right now, that isn’t the case.

In a recent interview with The Verge, Phil Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, stated that the firm has not been provided with an efficient method by Apple to monetize Xbox games on its platform. We are unable to make money off of Xbox Cloud Gaming on iOS. Regarding the concessions made under the UK Digital Markets Act, he states, “I think the proposal that Apple put forward, and I thought Sarah Bond’s comments on this were right on doesn’t go far enough to open up.“

Naturally, he doesn’t address the news that Apple now permits single app streaming as of iOS 17.4. Thanks to Apple’s modification of its policies about streaming game services, Microsoft will be able to develop a “reader” app that won’t charge users anything more than what they buy in-app. Microsoft’s goal is to have its own app store everywhere. Spencer thinks that mobile games ought to function more like desktop games.

“We’ll keep collaborating with authorities, Apple, and Google to make room for other stores. I love the way Windows functions, and there’s the Microsoft Store on Windows, Steam, the Epic Games Store, and GOG,” he declares to the journalist.

In the Xbox marketplace, Microsoft maintains its own gated community. It charges game makers a fee that is comparable to what Apple’s App Store charges. The firm has stated time and time again that since Xbox hardware is sold as a loss leader, this is OK. Nonetheless, US law does not mandate App Stores to limit their fee collection to instances where the hardware is supported by an App Store on the platform. “You have alternatives, and I think alternative ways for people to buy things creates goodness for consumers and creators,” Spencer said.

Alternative markets are prohibited by Apple in the US, but shortly in the EU, subject to certain restrictions, they will be permitted. In accordance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, the change was made.