author: Bart Swiatek
Android, iOS and Switch Get Xbox Live Support
Microsoft plans to expand Xbox Live support on Android and iOS devices, as well as the Nintendo Switch console.
IN A NUTSHELL:
- Microsoft is working on a tool that will enable Xbox Live support on Android and iOS devices, as well as the Nintendo Switch console;
- The platform is to be presented at the GDC 2019.
Windows Central reports that Microsoft plans to introduce a new developer platform for the Xbox Live service during this year's GDC (Game Developers Conference - March 18-23, Moscone Center, California). The tool will extend support to Android and iOS devices, as well as the Nintendo Switch console.
“Xbox Live is one of the largest, most engaged gaming communities on the planet with decades of experience providing managed game services to developers that save you time and unlock all of the social and engagement features that players love.
Now Xbox Live is about to get MUCH bigger. Xbox Live is expanding from 400M gaming devices and a reach to over 68M active players to over 2B devices with the release of our new cross-platform XDK,” boasts Microsoft in the announcement.
The new tool is designed to enable developers to connect gamers playing on platforms such as Xbox, PC (only titles released on Microsoft Store), iOS, Android and Nintendo Switch, offering access to unified lists of friends, clubs and achievements on each of the devices used for gaming.
Productions such as Fortnite or PUBG Mobile show that playing on mobile devices can sometimes be an experience similar to what we know from traditional platforms – although we have to come to terms with downgraded visuals and other limitations (e.g. related to the controls), in return we receive a fully-fledged product that can provide long hours of entertainment at any place and time. Also the extraordinary popularity of Nintendo Switch indicates that players are increasingly willing want to take their hobbies with them. It seems that Microsoft is aware of current trends and wants to enter one of the most important sectors of the industry with a bang.