Apple has recently announced that they will be allowing game streaming services like Xbox Game Pass on the App Store with impending EU regulations.
Following the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which establishes Apple as a gatekeeper and forces them to allow third parties to operate on their platform, Apple reversed their previous position banning third party game streaming apps.
“Today, Apple is introducing new options for how apps globally can deliver in-app experiences to users, including streaming games and mini-programs,” says an Apple developer blog post detailing the new arrangement.. “Developers can now submit a single app with the capability to stream all of the games offered in their catalog.”
Third party game streaming services were previously only playable on Apple devices if used through a browser, but going forward they will be allowed on the App Store itself. That means services like Xbox Cloud Streaming or Nvidia’s GeForce Now will be able to have full apps on the platforms.
“Apps will also be able to provide enhanced discovery opportunities for streaming games, mini-apps, mini-games, chatbots, and plug-ins that are found within their apps,” the post continues. “Additionally, mini-apps, mini-games, chatbots, and plug-ins will be able to incorporate Apple’s In-App Purchase system to offer their users paid digital content or services for the first time, such as a subscription for an individual chatbot.”
The third party apps will be made to have the age rating of their highest age-rated game, and are responsible for ensuring that all of their content meets the App Store Review Guidelines.
“The changes Apple is announcing reflect feedback from Apple’s developer community and is consistent with the App Store’s mission to provide a trusted place for users to find apps they love and developers everywhere with new capabilities to grow their businesses,” the blog post states. “Apps that host this content are responsible for ensuring all the software included in their app meets Apple’s high standards for user experience and safety.”
It remains to be seen whether or not Microsoft, Nvidia, and other game streamers will put their services on the App Store after their previous ban.