A Microsoft spokesperson has revived rumors that its Xbox LIVE platform is coming to iOS after they revealed the company’s plans to provide the Xbox experience and its titles on other platforms. While iOS users already have access to a basic Xbox LIVE app, Microsoft is expected to introduce a more in-depth experience including Xbox LIVE games like that available to Windows Phone users.
Rumors surrounding iOS support began circulating earlier this month when the Redmond-based company posted a job listing for a Software Development Engineer who world work on the Xbox LIVE Mobile team “to bring the latest and greatest gaming and entertainment experience to mobile platforms including Windows Phone, iOS, and other mobile platforms.” But its latest statement to Forbes has somewhat strengthened those rumors:
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. To satisfy that need, we are working to extend a few of our Xbox experiences and titles to other platforms.
This is incredibly exciting news for Xbox gamers who choose to use iOS devices over those powered by Microsoft’s platform. But it’s not all that surprising. While many believed Xbox LIVE games would be exclusive to Windows Phone, in a bid to encourage its adoption, Microsoft has famously been welcome to embrace rival platforms with support for its software and services.
And it wouldn’t exactly be a bad move, either. While it may dissuade a very small number of consumers from adopting the Windows Phone platform, simply to get their hands on Xbox LIVE and its games, the sacrifice is likely to encourage many more users into trying the Xbox and its platform for the first time.
[via Forbes]
