Microsoft has been facing significant challenges in its efforts to expand its mobile gaming business due to regulatory actions in several countries. The tech giant’s plans to launch its xCloud gaming service, which would allow users to stream games to their mobile devices, have been hampered by restrictions on app store policies and cloud gaming regulations.

In 2020, Apple announced that it would not allow game streaming services like xCloud on its App Store due to its policy of reviewing every game individually. The move led to a public dispute between Apple and Microsoft, with the latter accusing Apple of “consistently treating gaming apps differently” and “creating a bad experience for customers.”

Microsoft responded to the Apple’s policy by developing a web-based version of xCloud, which would allow users to access the service through a web browser on their mobile devices. However, this workaround has limited the functionality of the service and made it less convenient for users.

Microsoft has also faced regulatory challenges in other markets. In South Korea, the company has been forced to delay the launch of xCloud due to local regulations that require all game content to be reviewed by the government before it can be released to the public. The process can take several months, which has frustrated Microsoft and its customers in the country.

In addition to these challenges, Microsoft has also faced scrutiny from European regulators. The European Commission has launched an antitrust investigation into the company’s business practices, including its app store policies and the compatibility of its products with other software and devices.

Despite these challenges, Microsoft remains committed to expanding its mobile gaming business. The company recently announced that it would be bringing its Xbox Game Pass service to smart TVs in the coming years, which could help it reach a wider audience and reduce its reliance on mobile devices.

Microsoft has also been acquiring game development studios in recent years, including Bethesda Softworks and Double Fine Productions, which could help it create exclusive titles for its gaming platforms and compete more effectively with rivals like Sony and Nintendo.

Overall, while regulatory actions have posed significant challenges to Microsoft’s mobile gaming plans, the company remains determined to succeed in this growing market. Whether it will be able to overcome these obstacles and achieve its goals remains to be seen, but it is clear that Microsoft is not giving up on its mobile gaming ambitions anytime soon.