Highlights:
- Microsoft is adding touch control to its apps for iOS and Android mobile.
- All Xbox games will be supported in this change, per a report from The Verge.
- A new Xbox Cloud Gaming app for iOS will be made and will support touch controls.
Xbox gamers will no longer have to haul a controller in their bag when they want to mobile play on their smartphones on the run. Microsoft is adding touch control to its apps for iOS and Android mobile.
The Verge reported on the new update, currently in beta testing, which will allow users to play their games and manage their console remotely. Plus, per an update to the Apple iOS and iPod developer portal as of yesterday, gaming streaming services are now allowed within the app store.
“Apps will also be able to provide enhanced discovery opportunities for streaming games, mini-apps, mini-games, chatbots, and plug-ins that are found within their apps,” the update reads.
In short, Microsoft gaming is making its way to the phone in a way like never before. Mobile gaming is predicted to command 56 percent of the global market share for spending in 2023, according to data.ai and the IDC, so it’s certainly a strategic move for Microsoft financially. Here’s what it changes for gamers worldwide.
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All Games Will Support Touch Controls
While dedicated controllers, connected via Bluetooth, will offer a better gaming experience, touch control will be more convenient. In addition, per The Verge report, all Xbox games will be supported in this change, and the UI looks identical to a typical Xbox home screen. Based on their images, playing
According to The Verge‘s report, the touch controls are identical to those on Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming Service. The company has been adding touch controls to hundreds of games. As of a couple of years ago, 20 percent of Xbox Cloud Gaming players only used touch controls.
Equally important, with the new change by Apple to the App Store, Microsoft has made it clear they will be making a dedicated Xbox Cloud Gaming app for iOS. For those unfamiliar with the service, having this app will bring hundreds of games to the iPhone. Anyone who has GamePass Ultimate will gain access to a lineup of popular games, including Starfield, Skyrim and Fortnite.
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Changes at Microsoft Signal New Direction for Xbox
These expansions come as Microsoft undertakes significant changes within the organization. For example, approximately 1,900 jobs have been terminated within the Xbox and Blizzard gaming divisions. Also, they are reportedly shutting down their physical games division, per The Gamer.
The entire structure of gaming at Microsoft is changing. However, the change may provide flexibility for the future of Xbox Gaming on mobile. The disc-owning era is dead, so they are stopping funding for that business aspect. Maybe, as mobile gaming becomes more popular, they will start funding it more. Beta testing for the new mobile app started this past week, but no official release date has been set.
https://www.geekgirlauthority.com/februarys-most-anticipated-video-games-2024/
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