Twitter API Changes Spell the End for One Xbox Console Feature: Microsoft

John Lopez, Tech Times 21 April 2023, 11:04 am

Due to changes in the Twitter API, Xbox gamers will no longer be able to use the console feature that allows users to share their game uploads directly to Twitter, GameRant tells us in a report.

After being acquired by Elon Musk in October 2022, the social media platform has undergone some significant changes, one of the most contentious of which is its new API access policies.

According to these policies, access to Twitter's API will be priced in tiers, with large enterprises such as Microsoft paying up to $42,000 per month for access.

Microsoft Wipes Twitter from Ad Platform

As a result of all these changes, Microsoft recently announced that Twitter would be removed from its advertising platform beginning April 25.

"Smart Campaigns with Multi-platform will no longer support Twitter," the tech company said in a recent announcement.

What This Means for Xbox Consoles

This means some Twitter integrations with platforms such as Xbox consoles will no longer function. In a reply, Xbox's official Twitter account explains that the company has disabled the ability to post-game content to Twitter directly from Xbox consoles and the Game Bar on Windows due to recent Twitter API changes.

Gamers should not be concerned because they can still share clips to Twitter via the Xbox mobile apps for Android and iOS. Microsoft has assured users that other social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp, will remain available. Check out the official guide here.

Is Musk's Move Hurting the Bird App?

This is one of the few questionable policy changes that have occurred since Musk's buyout.

In December, Twitter announced that it would restrict cross-promotion of other social media platforms and would begin removing accounts, tweets, and posts about third-party platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Mastodon.

Although removing the ability to directly share gaming content from Xbox consoles and Windows to Twitter is disappointing for gamers, Microsoft has been working hard to expand its gaming offering to users.

Xbox gamers have plenty to be excited about in the coming future, thanks to the company's efforts such as recent gaming partnerships and a potential Windows 11 handheld gaming mode.

Musk and Microsoft

Musk has recently threatened to sue Microsoft for allegedly using Twitter data for training its pet AI chatbot system without permission.

"[Microsoft] trained illegally using Twitter data," Musk tweeted on April 20. He ended with two strong words: "Lawsuit time."

Microsoft's decision to remove Twitter from its advertising platform, followed by removing Xbox's ability to share gaming content to Twitter directly, highlights changes in Twitter's API policies.

Gamers can, however, continue to share clips via the Xbox mobile apps for Android and iOS. Xbox gamers have a lot to look forward to in the future, with many exciting developments in the works.

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