While the Epic Games v. Apple trial is mostly about the two named companies, Microsoft has been dragged into the middle of the battle. In fact, we are getting information regarding Microsoft’s gaming division than the company ever gives them. For example, Microsoft making no money on Xbox consoles and got streaming service Shadow temporarily banned from the App Store.
In the latest piece of information, it has emerged Microsoft demands indie developers be part of Xbox Game Streaming to get their games on Xbox.
The information was reported by The Verge and was part of a 222-page document used in the Epic Games v. Apple trial. While the document covered how Epic Games competes with stream giant.
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the document is Epic Games alleges Microsoft forced indie dev’s to be part of Xbox Game Streaming. It states “Microsoft is using harsh language around the requirement,” such as “sign or be removed from Xbox.”
Epic, Valve, Sony, and Microsoft
It shows Epic paid Sony a massive $200 million to get access to four PlayStation exclusives in 2020. However, the document also points out what Epic’s relationship with Microsoft is. The company also wanted to partner (pay) with Microsoft to get Xbox titles on its streaming service. However, Microsoft did not want to take the same patch as Sony.
“Their PC Game Pass leader is against what we’re doing,” reads the document. It also points out that while Sony is happy to be a partner, Microsoft is “effectively bidding against us for content.”
Furthermore, the document suggests Microsoft is happier to work with Valve than Epic. It says Xbox head Phil Spencer “is meeting with Gabe [Newell] at Valve occasionally.” It seems Valve wants Xbox Game Pass to become part of Steam. That would be huge for Steam, but also a cash cow for Microsoft.
Tip of the day:
The Windows default font these days is Segoe UI, a fairly simple and no-nonsense typeface that’s used across many of Microsoft’s products. However, though some like this subdued style, others look to change Windows font to something with a bit more personality.
Thankfully, Microsoft does let you change Windows fonts, but it doesn’t make it particularly easy. I our tutorial we show you how to change system font in Windows 10, or restore it again if you don’t like the changes.
