Re:New EU law could force Apple to allow other app stores, s...
by genocidicbunny on Wednesday November 02, 2022 @03:54PM
(#33442019)
Steam for a long time also charged something like 30%, so that wasn't a free lunch. Even now it isn't. I'm not saying we shouldn't have a discussion on what the console manufacturers do and how much they take as their cut, but we should be careful to equate the two ecosystems. My worry is Apple going 'See, if they can do it, why can't we?'
If we treat the two as separate problems, though with similar outcomes, we might be more successful finding a cure to both rather than a bandaid to either.
Re:New EU law could force Apple to allow other app stores, s...
by _aavaa_ on Wednesday November 02, 2022 @05:08PM
(#33442941)
Right, my point about steam was that even thought it charge a high amount AND the pc market is completely free, people (gamers and developers) still flock to it.
In the same way that while google allows side loading and competing app stores, essentially everyone uses the Play Store.
While I can see your concern, for that discussion to be had we’d need to first demonstrate that they should in fact be treated different. That isn’t a given.
I also don't think that it would cause a landslide of games/gamers to move. E.g. The PC market is as free as they come, and Steam for all its flaws is the defacto game store.
Microsoft doesn't get to charge the 30% fee, but the games outside the store also don't get to use the XBox live network and the current developer support.
And again, while it's great that you get more help and support from Sony/Microsoft in exchange for the 30%, it doesn't change the fact that you're forced to pay it.