Tim Sweeney, co-founder of Epic Games, recently criticized Microsoft’s Universal Windows Platform by calling it “the first apparent step towards locking down the consumer PC ecosystem and monopolising app distribution and commerce.” Phil Spencer responded by discrediting this.
In a piece from The Guardian, Sweeney seems to misinterpret Microsoft’s intentions. He accuses Microsoft of “moving against the entire PC industry,” including its consumers and other software developers. While it may be easy to get this idea from quickly listening to Microsoft’s plans, that is not the case.
Sweeney’s main criticism was that Microsoft was “structuring its operating system to advantage its own store while unfairly disadvantaging competing app stores, as well as developers and publishers who distribute games directly to their customers.”
Phil Spencer responded in a series of tweets, one of which links to a blog post written a week ago on developer opportunity and Windows 10.
He continued with,
This seemed to please Sweeney, as he responded very kindly.
Phil Spencer wants people to know that Microsoft is dedicated to making the best platform for everyone, and he understands that a closed ecosystem is not the way to do that. Microsoft has received a lot of criticism from from fans and industry veterans alike after they announced that they planned to unify PC and Xbox One gaming under their Universal Windows Platform, and it’s disheartening to hear some of the complaints when Microsoft has not even been fully given the chance to implement their plans.
Criticism is healthy and valid when you want to continue to push an industry forward, but it can also sometimes be unfounded. Sweeney seemed to speak out without completely understanding Microsoft’s vision, and I am glad that he is willing to listen to their plans moving forward.
