Microsoft to Bring Xbox Live Games to iOS and Android

According to a report by The Verge, sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans are claiming that the company is developing a new platform that will extend Xbox Live functionality to iOS and Android games. A recent job listing from Microsoft also revealed some details of these plans, according to which the company is looking to hire Software Development Engineers passionate about game technologies.

Xbox live

Currently, Xbox Live is only available for Microsoft’s consoles (Xbox 360 / Xbox One) and Windows or Windows Phone games for achievements, friend lists, and game matchmaking. But now, Microsoft appears to be planning to make Xbox Live a cross-platform experience.”We will create a modern framework that is open-source, lightweight, extensible and scalable across various platforms including Windows Store, Windows Phone, iOS, and Android,” reads Microsoft’s job listing.

“Microsoft is aiming to “win back” game developers from its competitors by making Xbox Live a lot easier to integrate into apps and games. Xbox Live, in its current state, requires certification and permission from Microsoft, but in the future the company is planning to have fewer restrictions and better tools for game developers to integrate the functionality into titles. We understand Microsoft wants Xbox Live across every platform, with simple and lightweight tools to allow developers to bring their games to Xbox Live whether they run on Windows, iOS, or Android.”

While Microsoft may not be able to replace Apple’s Game Center or Google Play Games services, it might just pave the way for cross-platform mobile gaming.

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