New Delhi: Microsoft is improving the Xbox experience on mobile devices by integrating touch controls into its Xbox apps for iOS and Android, as reported by The Verge. Touch controls, currently in beta testing, allow Xbox users to remotely control their consoles and engage in gaming on smartphones and tablets without the need for a Bluetooth controller.
The touch controls being introduced to Microsoft’s Xbox mobile apps mirror those found on the Xbox Cloud Gaming service. They include an on-screen overlay that allows users to remotely navigate the Xbox user interface. This functionality allows users to open games and stream directly from their consoles, eliminating the need for a physical controller. (Also Read: Samsung Introduces 10-Minute Delivery Service For Galaxy S24 Series In THESE Indian Cities)
Although dedicated controllers provide a better gaming experience, Microsoft’s touch controls are quite effective, especially for users who previously depended on Bluetooth controllers for remote gaming. Microsoft points out that 20 percent of Xbox Cloud Gaming players use touch controls exclusively. The company has actively integrated custom Xbox touch controls into many games, gaining popularity in popular titles such as Hades, Minecraft Dungeons, and Yakuza: Like a Dragon. (Also Read: Krutrim Becomes India’s First AI Unicorn With Latest Funding)
At the same time, Microsoft implemented significant organizational changes revealing the elimination of around 1,900 positions within its gaming divisions Xbox and Blizzard. This workforce reduction represents approximately 8 percent of the total workforce in the Microsoft Gaming division, which currently stands at approximately 22,000.
In an internal communication, Matt Booty, president of Game Content and Studios at Microsoft, confirmed the workforce reduction and announced the departure of Blizzard’s lead designer, Allen Adham. Adham, co-founder of Blizzard, played a key role in shaping the company’s games. Booty expressed confidence that Adham’s influence will endure through his mentorship of emerging designers in the industry.
Microsoft has revealed the cancellation of a previously announced survival game from Blizzard as part of a restructuring. Despite this setback, Booty confirmed that the talent from this project will be redirected towards promising new initiatives in the early stages of development within Blizzard.