Thread by @ZhugeEX

Apple clarifies that it will allow cloud game services on iOS if each game is individually approved by Apple

Apple still takes a 30% cut on subscriptions via iOS. But subscribing via PC/Console will allow you to access the iOS app too.

techcrunch.com/2020/09/11/app…

The huge caveat here is that Apple requires each game to have an individual listing and can be purchased or downloaded separately from the subscription service. This could also be a demo version of the game.

One step forward, two steps back imo.

So yes, this is somewhat good news for xCloud, Stadia and other cloud gaming services.

But it's also going to be complicated to implement and may not be something that a cloud game service provider wants to offer in the first place.

Will be interesting to see responses.

Here are the full changes

In other words, all of the 200+ xCloud games will need to be submitted to the app store individually, either as full games or demos. They will need to be approved by Apple individually.

Then MS can link its xCloud app to those games to allow subscribers to play the full games.

Not only will the above be a huge issue, and not favor any individual cloud game service. The 30% cut from Apple will also permeate through the cloud game service subscription and for in app purchases in the individual games, it seems.

So this really only benefits Apple tbh.

In summary.

Gaming is Apple's biggest app store category and the company wants to keep it that way over the long term.

Rather than letting cloud gaming services take over and bypass 30% cut & the App Store, Apple wants to ensure it benefits from the growth of cloud gaming.

I'll update this thread when Apple launches "Apple Arcade Cloud" in a year or two from now lol.