Game Streaming Apps Now Accepted on Apple App Store
Hey there, fellow gamers! I’ve got some exciting news for you. Apple has finally opened its doors to game streaming apps on the App Store. That’s right, you can now enjoy Xbox Game Pass, GeForce Now, PlayStation Plus, Amazon Luna, and other game streaming subscriptions directly on your iPhone and iPad. No more hassle of using built-in web browsers to access these platforms.
In a recent blog post, Apple stated, “Developers can now submit a single app with the capability to stream all of the games offered in their catalog.” This means you’ll have easy access to all your favorite games in one place. And that’s not all! This new policy also applies to apps with mini-games, mini-apps, chatbots, and plug-ins. Talk about convenience!
Apple’s Control and Guidelines
Before you get too excited, let me fill you in on the details. While game streaming platforms are now allowed on the App Store, Apple still maintains its control. All content within the app must adhere to Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines. Additionally, the overarching app must have an age rating suitable for all available experiences. So, if even one game is rated 18+, the entire streaming service will be restricted behind an age gate.
On the bright side, Apple is now allowing in-game stores for DLC and microtransactions. This means you can easily purchase additional content and upgrades within your favorite games. Apple’s in-app purchase system will be at your service to make these transactions smooth and secure.
The Previous Roadblocks
Let’s take a moment to appreciate how far we’ve come. When Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Now initially tried to enter the mobile gaming market, they faced a huge obstacle: Apple’s strict App Store restrictions. Each game had to go through individual App Store approval and be offered individually as well. On top of that, Apple demanded a 30% cut from every transaction. It was a real nightmare, which forced these platforms to resort to suboptimal streaming via the Safari web browser.
Apple’s Major Overhaul
This exciting development is part of a major overhaul by Apple to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). With the upcoming release of iOS and iPadOS 17.4 in March, Apple will allow third-party app stores and browser engines for the first time. However, Apple will still remain the gatekeeper of its platform and will continue to extract a percentage cut of total revenue and impose new first download charges.
So, my fellow gamers, get ready to dive into a whole new world of gaming possibilities on your Apple devices. Say goodbye to the limitations of the past and embrace the future of game streaming. It’s time to level up!
Source: Apple