Microsoft brings Xbox Live to Android and iOS

Microsoft has released an SDK that allows developers to integrate Xbox Live functionality into iOS and Android games. The sdk is part of Game Stack, in which Microsoft bundles tools for game development.

The SDK allows developers to integrate achievements, Gamerscore, and hero stats from the Xbox Live network, among other things, as well as tap into identity functionality for age verification, privacy, and security.

Microsoft will announce the arrival of Xbox Live to Android and iOS at the Game Developers Conference 2019. The announcement is part of Microsoft’s introduction of Game Stack. That’s the company’s new game development ecosystem.

Game Stack currently consists of Azure, PlayFab, DirectX, Visual Studio, Xbox Live, App Center and Havok and the intention is that every game developer can use it. Azure plays an important role in Game Stack as a platform for storage and computing power, with Microsoft noting that Azure also serves as the underlying platform for the xCloud service for game streams.

PlayFab, acquired last year, is also part of Game Stack. The company’s services help developers develop and provide Internet-connected games, including for Sony PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.

Microsoft increasingly seems to want to bridge a gap between game systems. Earlier this week, Microsoft announced the Wireless Display app for Xbox One and PC. If users install it on both systems, they can stream PC games to their console and use their Xbox controller to play. The functionality does not support the use of mouse and keyboard.