Apple: iOS games need individual review, which blocks cloud gaming apps
Microsoft is 'committed to finding a path' for xCloud on iOS.
Cloud gaming is back for another go-round, however Apple’s mobile platforms are sitting this round out. While OnLive was able to deliver streamed gaming to iPads years ago, Stadia and GeForce Now have yet to make an iOS debut, and Microsoft ended support for the platform after time for its beta program expired.
In a statement to Business Insider, Apple was clear that the issue is about its App Store policies. From its perspective, the services would be required to individually submit each playable game for review and approval — that the games are already reviewed by agencies like the ESRB apparently doesn’t matter — and these rules apply to interactive media in ways that they don’t for services like Netflix, YouTube or Spotify. This also leaves room for remote desktop-style streaming, or streaming from games hosted on a box locally, but just not from the cloud.
Apple:
Our customers enjoy great apps and games from millions of developers, and gaming services can absolutely launch on the App Store as long as they follow the same set of guidelines applicable to all developers, including submitting games individually for review, and appearing in charts and search. In addition to the App Store, developers can choose to reach all iPhone and iPad users over the web through Safari and other browsers on the App Store.
Google offered no comment about Stadia support via iOS, but a Microsoft spokesperson sent over the following response.
Microsoft:
Our testing period for the Project xCloud preview app for iOS has expired. Unfortunately, we do not have a path to bring our vision of cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to gamers on iOS via the Apple App Store. 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 ratings 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.
