As alluded to last month, Microsoft has now formally announced the launch of its new Game Stack service to developers today, which includes an SDK that allows Android and iOS developers to hook into Xbox Live.
Making the announcement today in a media briefing and blog post, the tech giant said ‘Over the past 16 years, Xbox Live has become one of the most vibrant and engaged gaming communities in the world. It is also a safe and inclusive network that has broken down boundaries in how gamers connect across devices.’
‘Today, we’re excited for Xbox Live to become part of Microsoft Game Stack, providing identity and community services. Under Game Stack, Xbox Live will expand its cross-platform capabilities, as we introduce a new SDK that brings this community to iOS and Android devices.’
However, you may remember last months’ report also mentioning Nintendo Switch. When questioned on this by The Verge, Microsoft’s Kareem Choudhry said: ‘Our goal is to really unite the 2 billion gamers of the world and we’re big fans of our Xbox Live community, but we don’t have any specific announcements as it relates to Switch today.’
And what of PlayStation 4? While unlikely and not willing to address Sony specifically, it seems Choudhry is optimistic something could happen in the future, saying: ‘If you’ve watched us for the past few years, we’ve taken a very inclusive approach. Phil [Spencer] has been very proactive on issues like crossplay, cross-progression, and uniting gamer networks, and we’re willing to partner with the industry as much as we possibly can.’
