Microsoft could dramatically reduce Xbox digital store fees charged to developers, according to documents filed in the Epic Games vs Apple legal case.
Earlier this week,Microsoftannounced it wouldslash the amount it charges developers to sell their games on its PC storeto 12 percent (down from 30 percent), undercuttingSteamand matching the deal offered by theEpic Games Store.
Now, according to court documents spotted byThe Verge, it looks like Microsoft is planning to do the same thing on consoles.
In adocument from January, where it also lists the 12 percent cut toPC gamesannounced this week, Microsoft states that “all games will move to 88 / 12 in CY21” on theXboxstore.
On console, this level of reduction would be unprecedented, as currently Microsoft,Sony, andNintendoall take 30 percent on digital game sales.
In a statement issued to The Verge, a Microsoft spokesperson played down the documents, stating: “We have no plans to change the revenue share for console games at this time.”
UPDATE:Microsoft has released a new statement claiming that the revenue spit cut is not happening.
the Xbox store cut to 12% is NOT happening. It looks like Microsoft explored the idea, but it’s not going ahead. “We will not be updating the revenue split for console publishers,” says Microsoft in a new statement. Details:https://t.co/N06gUpQcZj
TheEpic Gamesvs.Appletrial is set to take place on Monday, where Microsoft’s business development VP Lori Wright is set to speak, alongside other industry executives.
It is projected thatEpic CEO Tim Sweeney will be examined for almost eight hoursand that Apple CEOTim Cookwill be on the stand for just over two hours.
Sweeney is likely to discuss Epic’s history, business model, relationship with Samsung, and discussions with Apple andGoogle, while Cook’s examination is expected to focus on his company’s corporate values, its app store and its competitors.
The in-person bench trial will last for approximately three weeks. The tentative witness list includes executives from Microsoft,FacebookandNvidia, including Facebook gaming vice president Vivek Sharma.
