Curious: Microsoft announced that it will also release Xbox Live for Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, and other platforms. But why is the company doing this?
Xbox Live on all Platforms
What happened? By expanding their network, Microsoft aims to give more console developers the opportunity to connect players now on iOS, Android, and Switch, in addition to Xbox and any game in the Microsoft Store on Windows PCs. Microsoft’s Xbox Live is to be made available on as many devices as possible. Additionally, Xbox and PC players should be able to transfer their achievements, friends list, clubs, and more to other devices.
Why is this curious? For a long time, Microsoft followed the strategy of making the Xbox the “all-in-one” device. Players were meant to be “lured” to the Xbox for entertainment through this device. Windows Phones were intended for mobile fun, but they did not catch on. Now, however, the company is pursuing a completely different strategy. Moving away from this closed system around Xbox towards a gaming world where all gamers are connected across all devices.
We will be a big gamer family
What could this mean for us gamers? The company has not yet specified what we can expect. However, it appears that a kind of large gamer family is to be created. Microsoft aims to reach as many players as possible, regardless of the platform they play on. And these should be connected via Xbox Live.
It will no longer be strictly necessary to own an Xbox or a PC. The Xbox Live player profile can then be used on any device. Furthermore, the Windows Store is also supposed to be expanded to other devices. So you will be able to buy a game for your Switch through the Windows Store and then play with someone who got the title on Android also via the Windows Store using their Xbox Live profile.
Why is Microsoft doing this? Microsoft is no longer just focused on selling as many consoles as possible, but rather on reaching as many potential customers as possible. The Xbox is only part of the gaming ecosystem that consists of many other platforms. The player base is split between different systems, and Microsoft is trying to unify them under Xbox Live – no matter what they play on.
Players are interested
How are players reacting to this? Discussions are already taking place on Reddit. Players are curious about how this will work and are generally open to the idea. Of course, there are also skeptical voices, but generally, they want to wait and see what Microsoft reveals about it.
When will we learn more about it? Microsoft intends to reveal more at the Game Developers Conference. The GDC takes place this year from March 18 to 22.
