Xbox Live Will Soon Connect Players on Android, iOS and Switch (engadget.com)

Microsoft is getting ready to release an important software development kit (SDK) that will allow game developers to integrate Xbox Live into any titles that run across PC, Xbox, iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch. From a report: A Microsoft session at the upcoming Game Developers Conference mentions that Xbox Live will soon have a cross-platform developer kit that integrates the service into Android, iOS and Switch games. You'd have your achievements, clubs, friends list and "more" while on the move, and could pick up on some experiences where you left off. The session will provide a "first look" at the kit. You shouldn't expect titles to support Xbox Live for a while, even if the software toolbox is complete by the time GDC starts.

Comments

No Playstation port?

[jellomizer]

While not a big fan of Microsoft, it would be nice to buy a game for what ever platform I have/want and be able to play it with other players even though they are not using my platform of choice.

Re:No Playstation port?

[DarkRookie2]

And have maybe 2 or 3 games worth buying for it.

Re: No Playstation port?

[Anonymous Coward]

Blame Sony for resisting cross platform initiatives. Youâ(TM)ll note Nintendo *is* onboard with this.

Re:No Playstation port?

[jellomizer]

Except for the fact I don't know anyone personally who has a Play Station. That and looking at the Titles available, I cannot find anything that really sparks my interest.
To be fair, I have a Wii-U and usually just me and my wife play monopoly on it.

Re:No Playstation port?

[Dan East]

We're pretty much to the point where only Microsoft and Sony are competing against each other in the console market. Nintendo's hardware and software titles are so different than either MS or Sony that you would own a Switch or DS because you want that specific type of gaming. Then in addition to the Nintendo you would get an XBox, PS, or even a gaming PC, for that kind of more traditional console gaming. Sure, there is some overlap and there are titles that are available for Switch that are also available for XBox and PS4, but that is more of a "bonus" to the Switch than its bread and butter.

So having said all that, MS isn't afraid of Nintendo, because the average XBox gamer wouldn't be totally drawn away from that brand to Nintendo (nor would they to iOS or Android). However they do have Sony in their sights, and by offering this ability (where Sony does not) they are adding value and distinction to their product compared to their competitor.

Re: No Playstation port?

[jellomizer]

Well Nintendo, seems to be always dropping it personal community network system and making a new one for every hardware upgrade, then turning it off after a year or so.

Wii No longer can play Mario Cart Wii online.
Wii-U I am now welcomed by the default connection, and real traffic.

I don't think Nintendo neally gets online game communities. And I bet they would be happy to get Microsoft to do it for them. Perhaps Nintendo, can use the extra resources to boost the specs in their gaming consoles to be closer to what the others have.

Re:No Playstation port?

[tlhIngan]

While not a big fan of Microsoft, it would be nice to buy a game for what ever platform I have/want and be able to play it with other players even though they are not using my platform of choice.

Blame Sony. They're the ones blocking cross play. Only after a huge outcry did they "consider" allowing it for Fortnite, after people discovered that if they played Fortnite on a PS4 locked them out of Fortnite on other platforms.

Microsoft's not even going ot try to offer something Sony is actively rejecting. They only caved on Fortnite, but only a little.

So as long as Sony is going to prevent Sony players from cross play, well, if you're choosing PS4 or PS5, you'll be playing against other PS4 or PS5 users. Microsoft and Nintendo have long agreed to support cross play and even with PC and mobile platforms too.

Re:No Playstation port?

[Yosho]

Except for the fact I don't know anyone personally who has a Play Station.

I'm really skeptical of that; I suspect you don't interview everybody you know and tally up what game consoles they have.

That and looking at the Titles available, I cannot find anything that really sparks my interest. To be fair, I have a Wii-U and usually just me and my wife play monopoly on it.

It sounds like you're simply not part of the video game market at all. That's fine, but I don't think you know enough about the market to speak about it with any authority.

Very thankful

[SuperKendall]

During the recent global Xbox One outage, I felt sad because I could still make use of all the gaming devices I owned. Now I'll be able to participate in global Microsoft server outages along with everyone else!

cracked?

[harvey the nerd]

Sounds like a hackers paradise.

Embrace, extend..

[known_coward_69]

And all you old people know what comes next

Classic 90's Microsoft

Re:Embrace, extend..

[Anonymous Coward]

Ya rememeber when Bill Gates said 64k was enough memory and then Clippy came out and DOS was on 3 floppies!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for contributing to slash dot where we discuss up to the minute tech news!

Stupid question

[Locke2005]

Don't players on boxes with REAL controllers have a huge advantage in PvP combat versus players using a touchscreen?

Funny what being on the back foot can do for custo

[AbRASiON]

MS are really offering good deals, features, support for the system, especially the backwards compatibility stuff.

Think we'd get this if they were dominating?

Thank goodness they're around too, keeping Sony on their toes.

Now, who will do this to Amazon?

Re:Microsoft being Microsoft

[dryriver]

Using the ether, as Nikola Tesla described it. By building Wardenclyffe-like electrical towers on multiple continents and using the ether, Microsoft will be able to push Windows 10-like forced updates and reboots anywhere in the world. The device doesn't matter - even your smart TV and smart fridge will now get Windows 10 updates. As the technology matures, Microsoft will even be able to update and reboot human brains, and also push ads into those brains at will. (Runs off to download the new SDK)

Re:Microsoft being Microsoft

[bob4u2c]

I want what ever medication your on!

Probably Vaporware

[Sir Holo]

Microsoft announces things that they never intend to release all the time. We will probably never see it.

It was perhaps announced to put pressure on Steam and other non-hardware-tethered gaming-software makers. To make them waste their money. Or perhaps another reason

Task Request

[LifesABeach]

Update Destiny 2 for cross platform clans