Microsoft Criticizes Apple's Commission Fee, Claims It Hinders Cloud Gaming Monetization

Microsoft has voiced its disapproval of Apple's commission fee, stating that it renders the company unable to effectively generate revenue from its cloud gaming services on iOS devices. As part of an ongoing CMA investigation into mobile browsers and cloud gaming, Microsoft asserted that despite recent modifications to Apple's guidelines between January and March 2024, numerous obstacles to cloud gaming native apps persist. The company further emphasized that Apple's 30% IAP commission fee is unsustainable and unjustifiable, making it impossible for Microsoft to monetize its cloud gaming services due to restrictions imposed by Guideline 3.1.3(b) on offering diverse content, subscriptions, or features to iOS users compared to other platforms. This criticism emerges as part of a broader investigation, restarted in January, examining whether the dominance of Apple and Google stifles competition within mobile ecosystems. Recently, Apple updated its EU terms to permit developers to link to external payment platforms, bypassing the built-in iOS payment system.