Microsoft plans to expand Xbox Live to other platforms, including Nintendo Switch and mobile. The company says bringing the network to more consoles will “enable game developers to connect players between iOS, Android, and Switch in addition to Xbox and any game in the Microsoft Store on Windows PCs.”
The move was teased in the description for an upcoming session at GDC, where the plans will presumably be revealed in more detail. The session, titled Xbox Live: Growing & Engaging Your Gaming Community Across iOS, Android, Switch, Xbox, and PC (Presented by Microsoft), will include details on the expansion, which Microsoft says will take Xbox Live to “over 2 billion devices with the release of our new cross-platform Xbox development kit.”
The description continues: “Xbox Live players are highly engaged and active on Xbox and PC, but now they can take their gaming achievement history, their friends list, their clubs, and more with them to almost every screen.” Further details are scant at present, but we’ll learn more during GDC, which takes place from March 18-22.
While this news doesn’t necessarily concern cross-play directly, Microsoft has been talking for years now about connecting rival platforms, like PS4 and Xbox One. Xbox boss Phil Spencer previously explained that success to Microsoft involves more than just sales of Xbox One. In fact, GameSpot’s discussion with him back in late 2017 is quite telling and makes this Xbox Live news sound like something it’s been contemplating for years.
www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-live-coming-to-nintendo-switch-ios-and-androi/1100-6464772/