Microsoft wants to push Xbox Live onto iOS and Android devices in an attempt to get more people using, and invested in, the online service. Primarily used for their own console, PC and Windows Phone platforms currently, they are looking to integrate Xbox Live into games on smartphones using the competing operating systems and hope it welcome developers to the service.
Their objectives were outlined in a recent job posting, which states that they want to create a scalable framework that's more inviting developers, reports The Verge.
The job description explains, "In the coming wave of Windows product release, we are renewing the focus on gaming and game development technologies. We are looking for strong Software Development Engineers who are passionate about game technologies to join our team."
It goes on to explain that they want to create a "modern framework that is open source, light-weight, extensible and scalable across various platforms including Windows Store, Windows Phone, iOS and Android," and that Microsoft wants to "win back" its game developers from competitors.
They've experimented with Xbox Live on iOS and Android for achievements, but want to make the cross-platform capabilities bigger and better. Ideally, more people using their service means more people signing up with Xbox Live Gold and sharing their profile across their console, tablet and smartphone, rather than Apple's Gamecenter or alternative profile services such as OpenFeint.
As stated, getting developers back into the fold is an objective of this initiative. Right now, a lot of certification and permission is required from Microsoft to get on the platform, which inhibits developers from using it, and they often find another alternative.
Clearly Microsoft is aware of this issue and is seeking to rectify it, and if its successful, we might see more people using Xbox Live to connect with friends, get achievements and play games across platforms on operating systems other than Windows.
