Xbox’s Phil Spencer has responded to allegations that Microsoft’s upcoming Universal Windows Platform will construct a closed ‘monopoly’ around PC gaming, stating that it isn’t true and UWP will instead be an ‘open’ system.
Yesterday, The Guardianpublished an article written by Epic Games founder Tim Sweeney, who expressed his doubts about Microsoft’s latest venture, the Universal Windows Platform, which will seek to combine Xbox and Windows 10 PC gaming.
Sweeney stated that Microsoft seeks to “monopolising app distribution and commerce” on PC. In the article, he says:
“The specific problem here is that Microsoft’s shiny new “Universal Windows Platform” is locked down, and by default it’s impossible to download UWP apps from the websites of publishers and developers, to install them, update them, and conduct commerce in them outside of the Windows Store.”
All of the previous issues would allegedly be in the cards if Microsoft’s UWP isn’t an ‘open’ system, Sweeney argues, holding the sentiment that it “should, must and will, die”.
Following The Guardian publishing the op-ed, the internet went into panic mode at the thought of Microsoft controlling the PC gaming market – having the ability to lock apps and games to both Windows 10 and the Windows store, as well as preventing anyone from downloading app .exe’s manually outside of the Windows Store.
Xbox’s Phil Spencer today took to Twitter to respond to Sweeney’s claims that the UWP is a closed system built with the goal of monopolising the market, stating that the software will indeed be an open ecosystem.
Windows has always been an open ecosystem welcoming the contributions of hardware and software partners, and will always continue to be.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) March 4, 2016
UWP is a fully open ecosystem, available to every developer, and can be supported by any store. Broad range of tools https://t.co/LqPcjRFzu9
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) March 4, 2016
We will discuss our next steps with the Universal Windows Platform at //build later this month.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) March 4, 2016
@emiel1981 @TimSweeneyEpicis a friend and he pushes for what he believes. I agree UWP has to be open and that's what we are doing.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) March 4, 2016
Following Spencer’s responses, Sweeney himself Tweeted that he is intrigued by the prospect, and will be tuning into Microsoft’s Build conference at the end of March to learn more.
I like the sound of this, and look forward to thorough technical details on UWP's planned openness at //build. https://t.co/9oitPe3DuM
— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) March 4, 2016
Build will take place between March 30th and April 1st.