Microsoft is getting ready to release a software development kit that allows game developers to integrate Xbox Live into any titles that run across PC, Xbox, iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch.
Xbox Live cross platform play will allow developers to use Xbox friends lists, multiplayer functionality, and achievements into existing mobile games. And it’s all part of Microsoft’s new gaming mission to reach outside of its traditional PC and Xbox markets, and bring software, services, and games to players on rival platforms.
Combined with Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass, (which is awesome by the way), it looks like they’re trying to create a Netflix for video games, with a subscription that gives you access to games no matter where you intend to play them. If Microsoft can convince developers to allow it to handle the social and multiplayer aspects of games, then its subscription game service will look a lot more promising to gamers on other consoles and mobile devices.
