Microsoft to close game-streaming service Mixer, team up with Facebook

Microsoft plans to work with Facebook on xCloud, a service for streaming video games to mobile devices that the company is testing with users now. — AFP

Microsoft Corp’s Xbox unit will shut down its Mixer video-game streaming service after failing to attract a large global user base and will recommend players and audiences shift to Facebook Inc’s streaming site. The software maker also plans to partner with Facebook on Microsoft's xCloud mobile game service, which will be widely available by the end of the summer.

Starting July 22, users who visit Mixer will be redirected to Facebook Gaming. The surprise move comes less than a year after Microsoft lured popular streamer Ninja – whose real name is Tyler Blevins – from Amazon.com’s Inc’s Twitch, the leading game-streaming service. The deal was touted as setting off a battle for top gaming talent in the US$152bil (RM650.41bil) video-game industry.