In a significant shift for mobile gaming, Microsoft is poised to launch Xbox games on Android devices, following a recent US court ruling that mandates Google to open its Play Store to third-party app stores and alternative payment methods. This decision presents a new opportunity for Microsoft to enhance accessibility for gamers.
Sarah Bond, president of Xbox, announced via X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday that the ruling will “allow more choice and flexibility.” She stated, “Our mission is to allow more players to play on more devices,” revealing that starting in November, players will be able to buy and play Xbox games directly through the Xbox App on Android.
The court order compels Google to discontinue its practice of mandating apps to utilize its billing system, paving the way for Microsoft to directly sell Xbox games through its application. While most games may not run natively on Android, an updated Xbox app could enable users to stream purchased or subscribed games directly to their Android devices.
Previously, acquiring Xbox games on mobile involved cumbersome processes, such as navigating web-based stores through a browser, often with the mobile device defaulting to the app store. This change signifies a move towards more seamless purchasing and gaming experiences on mobile platforms.
Microsoft has been actively expanding its Xbox brand beyond hardware. The company has been keen to take advantage of European regulatory efforts to dismantle the dominance of Google and Apple’s app ecosystems, exploring plans for its own mobile gaming store last year. Although a dedicated web-based store has yet to launch, the introduction of a more robust Android app could set Xbox apart as a gaming platform, rather than merely a console manufacturer.
In response to the ruling, Google has announced plans to appeal the court’s decision, specifically seeking to pause the implementation of the remedies that would enhance Xbox’s app capabilities while the appeal is pending. Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s vice president for regulatory affairs, emphasized that “most Android devices come preloaded with two or more app stores right out of the box,” noting that Epic Games’ Fortnite has been available through alternative platforms, contrasting with the limitations faced by iPhone users.
Related topics:
Trek Unveils CarBack Bike Radar for Enhanced Cycling Safety
Asahi Linux Breaks Barriers, Enables Windows Gaming on Apple Silicon Macs
Rio Tinto’s $6.7 Billion Acquisition of Arcadium: A Game-Changer in Lithium Extraction Technology