Microsoft has announced the availability of Xbox Live for any games released on iOS and Android. The company is launching a cross-platform software development kit (SDK) which will game and app developers to bring Xbox Live features to their mobile games. It will soon be p0ssible for gamers to earn achievements, gain gamerscore and use their friendslist and groups on mobile games.
The move is part of Microsoft's push to bring its games and services to as many platforms as possible. Earlier this week they demonstrated their new xCloud game streaming technology which allows Xbox One games to be streamed to mobile phones. They also recently made clear their intentions to become the 'Netflix of video games'. With the ubiquity of the Xbox Live friendslist, messages and other features it seems like the company is one step closer to achieving their goal.
Microsoft also said they're open to bringing Xbox Live to other consoles such as Nintendo's Switch and the PlayStation 4, although collaboration on those fronts seems unlikely anytime soon considering the difficulties there have been related to crossplay. “If you’ve watched us for the past few years, we’ve taken a very inclusive approach,” says Kareem Choudhry, chief of Microsoft's gaming cloud. “Phil [Spencer] has been very proactive on issues like crossplay, cross-progression, and uniting gamer networks, and we’re willing to partner with the industry as much as we possibly can."
While Choudhry's comments might spark hope from optimistic gamers, they probably shouldn't hold their breath considering Sony's previous lack of willingness to collaborate. Regardless, the new SDK will provide app developers with access to an already established gaming network over the coming weeks and months.
What do you think of Microsoft's new SDK? Do you like their commitment to being the 'Netflix of gaming'? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
