A fresh streaming app linked to the expanding platform Kick has popped up on Xbox consoles. This points to a big change in how Microsoft’s gaming hardware is being set up beyond just playing games.
Kick Arrives on Xbox, but Microsoft Denies Any Official Deal
This happened after days of guessing, following Kick’s mysterious social media post that hinted at some kind of team-up with Xbox. This led to talks about whether a closer partnership was in the works.
The teaser led people to think there was an official deal, but Microsoft set things straight. An Xbox spokesperson said there is no formal partnership, explaining that Kick put its app on the Xbox platform on its own. The app is now being checked to make sure it follows store rules. The company said any app that does not meet these standards might be taken down.
Even without a partnership, Kick’s presence on Xbox puts it next to big names like Twitch and YouTube, which already have apps on Xbox and PlayStation consoles. This means users can watch live streams right on their consoles, but it is not clear if they will be able to stream from the console itself.
Xbox is feeling the heat to grow its ecosystem. The Series X and Series S are not selling as well as before due to price hikes and changes in subscription costs. This has pushed Microsoft to play up Xbox as more than just a gaming machine – it is now being marketed as an all-around entertainment center. Adding new media apps fits right into this plan.
Controversial Kick App Faces Scrutiny After Xbox Arrival
Kick, though, comes with its own baggage. The site has gotten a name for itself as a safe spot for creators who have hit snags elsewhere, mainly because it is not as strict with its rules and it allows gambling-related content, for example. The people who started Kick also run the gambling site Stake, which has led to some backlash as other platforms have started to clamp down on similar content. For instance, Twitch put a stop to most gambling streams in 2022 after a bunch of big scandals blew up.
Even with the pushback, Kick has pulled in big online stars by offering better revenue deals and looser rules, helping it find its own spot in the busy livestreaming world.
Fans say its focus on creators gives an option besides more controlled sites, while others worry that little oversight can lead to bad behavior. Right now, Kick’s place on Xboxis not set in stone, as Microsoft looks it over. Whether it sticks around on the console or ends up a short trial will come down to how well the app fits Xbox’s content rules — and if console users want another way to watch live streams from their couches.