Thanks to the report that Microsoft is moving away from Microsoft Points, there's a possibility that Microsoft will launch multiplayer Xbox LIVE games across multiple platforms, not just Microsoft-based.
Here's what we know so far. Windows Phone can natively access Xbox Live and a number of games like Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, Bug Village, BulletAsylum and more. Apple iOS 4.3 devices can access Xbox LIVE via the My Xbox LIVE app -- Apple gamers can even play Kinectimals on an iPod Touch 3G or later, and an iPhone 3GS and later. The only popular OS missing from this multi-platform picture is Google's Android.
Here's why Xbox Live on Android makes sense: Sony.
Here in the States, anxious pocket gamers are still waiting for that mysterious PlayStation Suite to appear, a platform that will offer original titles as well as classic PlayStation favorites. Those of us who succumbed to the Xperia PLAY (guilty) PlayStation certified phone got a little taste with a pre-installed Crash Bandicoot surprise. Sony Tablet S owners now have an even larger library of Sony games to devour (you people suck). That said, based on what's available so far, Sony has seemingly infiltrated and took command of the #1 mobile OS in America.
But Sony's days of Android dominance are seemingly numbered.
Earlier this month, a Microsoft job listing appeared, seeking out a software development engineer "to bring the latest and greatest gaming and entertainment" to Windows Phone, iOS and other mobile platforms. "As a software development engineer on the team, you will have the opportunity to help define and design the experiences for the project, you will get to work with a team of energetic and talented developers, and you will have the luxury to work with all sorts of mobile devices to create the official Xbox LIVE mobile experiences," the listing stated.
As Forbes points out, Xbox LIVE games -- at least the mobile versions -- are only available on Windows Phone -- Kinectimals for iOS is a stand-alone title and merely unlocks extra cuteness on the console version. What Microsoft is supposedly working on now are games that can be installed and played together across the entire mobile spectrum.
"While the Xbox Live experiences and games always work best on the Windows platform, we understand that some Xbox fans may be using other types of devices," a spokesperson told Forbes. "To satisfy that need, we are working to extend a few of our Xbox experiences and titles to other platforms."
And that's a good thing. Thanks to Microsoft handing out wads of cash to Nokia to produce flagship Windows Phone devices, Microsoft's mobile assault is just now starting to take flight. But until saturation begins, those of us with an Xbox 360 and an Xbox LIVE account have either iOS or Android (and maybe one or two fall into the Other OS category) devices. Extending the Xbox LIVE experience to our phones would simply be kick-ass and a financial gain for the Redmond company.
But the Microsoft statement acquired by Forbes really doesn't say "we're working on multiplayer Xbox LIVE titles for multiple platforms," but seemingly backs up the Kinectimals launch and any other Microsoft-developed games landing on Android and iOS. Yet there's a lot of current buzz that iOS and Android will join the multiplayer fray -- stirred up by the news of Microsoft dropping the Microsoft Points system, seemingly making in-app microtransactions easier -- which would seemingly tie together Windows, Xbox, Windows Phone, Android and iOS together.
Eat that, Sony.
Can Microsoft pull it off? Google's "Ice Cream Sandwich" will likely help make it happen on the Android front given its "One OS To Run Them All" design. Still, if Spacetime Studios can develop an MMOG that runs on iOS, Android, and within Google's Chrome web browser, Microsoft can do it too. Threefold.
Who bets that Microsoft will make a big mobile reveal at E3?
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Noooooooo!!!!!!!!!! Keep it exclusive, if you start giving away unique selling points why will people buy your phone?
You don't see Apple allowing iTunes on Android, same thing
im actualy considering getting a new nokia. its more responsive then my Desire Hd + cyanogenmod. and the development environment is good aswell.
its a windows phone worth getting for once.
Noooooooo!!!!!!!!!! Keep it exclusive, if you start giving away unique selling points why will people buy your phone?You don't see Apple allowing iTunes on Android, same thing
I would hate to see iTunes on droid phones. It is the absolute worse multimedia program in existence.
Well it's like offering Microsoft Office on the Mac.
@back_on_demand and mobrocket : You both make valid points. The question is : do Microsoft have enough faith in WP to make Xbox Live Mobile exclusive? If they keep it exclusive and fail, they lose on both grounds. If they release it to Android, they lower the chance of success of WP (because of the loss of exclusivity) while securing Xbox Live. Then again, if Sony is doing it... I guess I would go with availability over exclusivity. I still wish WP to succeed though!
i agree with you on one hand... on the other hand if WP if a fail, then MSFT didnt hedge their bets by being on all 3 major platforms... what is really said is MSFT has been in the mobile game longer then apple or google but just let the market slip thru their fingers
this is about gameing, not just a phone
sony has a hand held device they dont want to eat into
microsoft has an os, but they also make money on every android sold (or at least quite a few)
and hand held gaming, at least where a controller isnt an option, is pointless to the extent of why try to make it exclusive?
@back_on_demand and mobrocket : You both make valid points. The question is : do Microsoft have enough faith in WP to make Xbox Live Mobile exclusive? If they keep it exclusive and fail, they lose on both grounds. If they release it to Android, they lower the chance of success of WP (because of the loss of exclusivity) while securing Xbox Live. Then again, if Sony is doing it... I guess I would go with availability over exclusivity. I still wish WP to succeed though!
look at it like exclusive window dlc
phone 1 gets it first (win)
phone 2 gets it second (android)
phone 3 gets it third if at all (ios)
it doesn't matter the platform these games are on really, ms makes money off them regardless.
and windows 8 phone isnt just for gaming, its a total experience they are selling, integration of pc, tablet, and phone. selling these lesser games to every one else wont eat their win8phone sales.
any of you buy your phone exclusively for its games? tell me some games beside infinity blade, or angry birds or even words with friends... that aren't on every platform
unless winphone 8 has a model with a controller, you wont see much exclusive content because why bother, these arent games for gamers, these are games for the masses and they dont care.
@back_on_demand and mobrocket : You both make valid points. The question is : do Microsoft have enough faith in WP to make Xbox Live Mobile exclusive? If they keep it exclusive and fail, they lose on both grounds. If they release it to Android, they lower the chance of success of WP (because of the loss of exclusivity) while securing Xbox Live. Then again, if Sony is doing it... I guess I would go with availability over exclusivity. I still wish WP to succeed though!
In order to take that gamble you need deep enough pockets to afford to lose if the gamble fails. Apple has this, so does Microsoft, so does Google. Keep it exclusive.
@alidan : It's not about gaming; it's about exclusivity. Whatever the product or the purpose, the fact is that Xbox Live could be a selling argument for Windows Phone. If they provide the service to other platform, they have to make WP compete with Android/iOS on "equal" ground. If they ever want WP to gain market share, they'll have to find incentives, like exclusiovity on Xbox Live. But if they do that and WP doesn't sell more, they lose the profits they could have made by getting Xbox Live on other platforms. Hence, the conundrum.
Saw this coming from a mile away. Tablets and phones will be primary gaming platforms before you know it. Highly portable, becoming more powerful, BT connectivity (for controls, headphones), easily hooks up to TV via HDMI, and are relatively affordable.
Xbox Live being exclusive to Windows Phone was one of the more compelling reasons to purchase a Windows Phone, and created a differentiating factor for the platform, however the execution has been uninspired thus far.
The issue is the lack of interactivity, lack of games, and lack of multiplayer. Allowing Xbox Live on iOS and Android is completely senseless and is just one less reason to purchase a Windows Phone.
C'mon Microsoft. Instead of trying to sell more Xbox's by allowing Xbox Live on Android and iOS, try putting that effort into improving the service on you OWN mobile platform.
this is great. if it works on android it also works on other linux distro. I'm feeling much closer to delete my windows partition for once...
Makes business sense. Microsoft is a software company first. As MF Doom said "get paid off the same beat 3 ways".
Makes perfect business sense, Microsoft could become the king of mobile gaming using everyone else's hardware, you write the game once and it works similarly on all mobile devices, plus if you have an Xbox 360 /720? title. It can be tied in as well.
Imagine, you buy a game once, and no matter what phone you have, it works.