Microsoft has announced that Xbox Live is coming to iOS and Android devices, but, when asked about Nintendo Switch, has indicated that they “don’t have any specific announcements” that relate to the portable home console.
The company will host a presentation at GDC 2019 next week, called Xbox Live: Growing And Engaging Your Gaming Community Across Platforms.
Before that happens, they have confirmed plans to release a cross-platform mobile software development kit. This lets developers add Xbox Live functionality to their games on iOS and Android devices, allowing for features such as achievements, GamerScore, hero stats, friend lists, clubs, and some family settings.
Developers can choose which parts they would like to integrate with their games, which will be enabled once a user signs in to their Microsoft Account. But, while there have been rumors and hints that this same software development kit can soon be used with Nintendo Switch, Microsoft isn’t ready to say any more – although remain open to it happening.
“Our goal is to really unite the two billion gamers of the world and we’re big fans of our Xbox Live community, but we don’t have any specific announcements as it relates to Switch today,” Microsoft’s Kareem Choudhry explained to The Verge.
“If you’ve watched us for the past few years, we’ve taken a very inclusive approach. Phil [Spencer] has been very proactive on issues like crossplay, cross-progression, and uniting gamer networks, and we’re willing to partner with the industry as much as we possibly can.”
