With the surge of video game streaming services in the last year or so, the concept of accessibility for gaming at any moment is becoming a reality right in front of our own eyes. Initiatives such as Google’s Stadia or Microsoft’s xCloud prove that players can instantly play any major title without the necessity of a physical console being present.
However, this form of game stream was only limited to the Android market primarily. Though Stadia is playable on TV and PC, the core market is aimed for mobile devices. But, Apple products were out of the question. That is due to The App Store Policy which requires all applicants on the storefront to hand over a 30 percent cut of gross revenue. Of course, this did not rub the companies the right way.
So the firms are looking to other alternatives. One being a web-based application: this allows the software to stream through the device’s respected browser rather than directly through The App Store. The two did open to the idea of pursing this approach following new measures applied to The App Store Policy issued by Apple earlier this fall.
Now, Google announces that Stadia is finally available for iOS devices – so that includes iPhones and iPads. There is no word on Mac support for Stadia at the time of reporting. Regardless, it is exciting to finally see the service now available on the other side of the river.
According to the Stadia support page, Apple users will need to be updated to the iOS 14.3 version or later to properly use Stadia. Of course, a Stadia account will also be necessary as well to use the application. However, it is clarified the feature is still in the works and does require some discipline as not all experience will be alike and features to be absent as well.
In other related news for iOS, Microsoft announces xCloud support is hitting Apple products in spring 2021. xCloud is also told to expect PC integration to sometime in that same release window. You can read the full report by heading here.
Are you planning to play Stadia on iOS?