Game Boost

EXPANDING APPLE'S GAMING ECOSYSTEM WITH NEW RULES

In an unexpected move, Apple has announced an update to its App Store policies that will allow developers to release game streaming apps to the platform, meaning native versions of services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or Amazon Luna can come to iOS for the first time.

A NEW ERA FOR GAMING

For years, Apple’s stringent policies have meant that developers were forced to submit individual apps for each game they wanted to release on iOS, which many found burdensome and restrictive. This policy effectively barred major game streaming platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Steam from providing full services on the iOS platform and has no doubt stifled innovation on iOS. However, with new guidelines, Apple now allows developers to submit a single ‘host’ app offering a catalogue of streaming games, mini-games, chatbots, and plugins - good news for gaming lovers.

Interestingly, this policy update is open to more than just the European Union, where regulatory pressure is most intense. Instead, Apple has decided to implement these changes globally, marking a strategic shift in Apple’s approach to its App Store, aiming to make it a more attractive and competitive platform worldwide. Apple is introducing new capabilities to enhance the discovery of streaming games to support this new category of game-streaming apps. Additionally, the company is accommodating separate in-app purchases for the first time. This move could open new revenue streams for developers and Apple alike through subscriptions and other digital goods and services and keep iOS on top.