On February 9, 2022, Microsoft revealed its vision for a principled approach to app stores that should suit antitrust regulators, users, and developers. The company has released a series of promises and outlined how far it is willing to go to get its takeover of Activision Blizzard approved by regulators around the world.
Microsoft will be adopting an open approach for both the Microsoft Store for Windows and similar next-generation video game services and platforms.
Microsoft promised to adapt to the requirements of the law, and not contradict them. The company also believes it can provide the best possible experience for both game creators and users. Microsoft disclosed that the policies and practices of its app stores will not restrict the rights of third-party developers and will be more convenient and understandable to millions of gamers.
Microsoft has said it will:
respect the privacy of users and provide them with all the necessary controls for their data and disclose how they are used;
maintain and promote native applications to the same standards as competing third-party applications and platforms;
fight any opportunity to use non-public information or data from the application store to organize competition with third-party applications;
Treat apps in your store equally, without unreasonably favoring or ranking your apps or partner apps over other apps;
is transparent about the rules for promotion and marketing in its app store and will apply them consistently and objectively.
Microsoft has promised that it will not:
require developers in its app store to use only a specific payment processor to process in-app payments;
require developers in their app store to offer better deals than other app stores on other platforms;
put developers at a disadvantage if they decide to use a different payment processing system than Microsoft's, or if they offer different terms in other app stores;
prevent developers from communicating directly with their customers through their applications, they will be able to discuss and choose pricing terms with users, transfer product or service offers to customers on better terms.
Microsoft is committed to:
give developers the ability to choose whether they want to deliver their Windows apps through its app store, from someone else's store, or "download" directly from the web;
continue to provide developers with timely access to information about compatibility interfaces for Windows that use its own applications;
enable Windows users to use alternative app stores and third-party apps, including by changing the default settings in the relevant categories.
Microsoft has revealed that it will keep Call of Duty and other popular Activision Blizzard titles available for PlayStation not only during the life of its existing Activision deal, but also in the future so that Sony fans can continue to enjoy their favorite titles. The company is also interested in taking similar steps to support the successful Nintendo platform. Microsoft believes this will be the right thing for the industry, for gamers and for businesses.
Microsoft hasn't revealed when third-party payment systems will be available in the Xbox app store. But plans to do so in the future. The company complained that it invested a lot in its gaming infrastructure and sold consoles at a loss, so it is still trying to offset its costs with deductions for purchases in the built-in store.
On January 18, 2022, Microsoft announced plans to purchase Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion. Regulators have not yet approved the deal. If it is confirmed, it will become the largest not only in the history of Microsoft, but also in the history of the technology field as a whole.
After that, the head of Microsoft Gaming Phil Spencer promised to leave Call of Duty on the PlayStation. He clarified that he had communicated with Sony management regarding the further execution of all Activision Blizzard agreements with the Japanese company. Including Spencer emphasized that the Call of Duty series will remain on the PlayStation.
bbabo.Net