Apple Confirms: Stadia and xCloud Unavailable on iOS
Apple has confirmed what we have long expected. Streaming services like Google Stadia and Project xCloud are against App Store's regulations. In other words, we won't see any of them on iOS devices.
Video game streaming services have not been mentioned much lately. This has changed with the recent confirmation of Project xCloud's release date, but - unfortunately for Microsoft - it has reminded us of an awkward issue. Apple has confirmed that it will not allow for distribution of streaming platforms like Project xCloud and Google Stadia in its store.
The announcement for Bussiness Insider did not surprise anyone. Stadia and GeForce Now have never appeared in the Apple store, even though they have long been available on Android devices. Yes, Stadia is formally present in the App Store, but without the ability to play anything. It's all been crashing into the question of access to many applications. Apple has strict control over which programs go into the store, as Gabe Newell once criticized. Meanwhile, streaming services provide access to a rich, constantly expanded collection of games. The company is unable to check each of these titles individually, as in practice they don't appear in the store as new items.
Malicious people could point out that a side effect of such 'undercover' addition of new apps while skipping App Store, is that Apple is prevented from receiving its 30% revenue share from apps. Cynicism aside, Microsoft (via The Verge) criticized the company's decision. The company also assured that it would look for a way to get Project xCloud to the iOS eventually.
"Apple stands alone as the only general-purpose platform to deny consumers from cloud gaming and game subscription services like Xbox Game Pass. And it consistently treats gaming apps differently, applying more lenient rules to non-gaming apps even when they include interactive content. All games available in the Xbox Game Pass catalog are rated for content by independent industry rating bodies such as the ESRB and regional equivalents. We are committed to finding a path to bring cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to the iOS platform. We believe that the customer should be at the heart of the gaming experience and gamers tell us they want to play, connect, and share anywhere, no matter where they are. We agree."
