Xbox Players to Enjoy Direct Game Purchases on Android App
Starting in November, Xbox players will have the convenience of playing and purchasing games directly from the Xbox App on Android. Sarah Bond, the president of Xbox at Microsoft, shared this exciting news, emphasizing the increased choice and flexibility resulting from the court’s ruling to open up Google’s mobile store in the US.
The ruling, issued by US District Judge James Donato after Google’s antitrust battle with Epic Games, mandates that Google allow third-party app stores access to the Play library and make Android apps available on alternative storefronts. This decision paves the way for Xbox players to access a wider range of games and make purchases directly through the Xbox App on their Android devices.
CNBC reports that players will be able to download games to their Xbox consoles via the Android app, with Game Pass Ultimate subscribers also able to stream games on their phones. However, the ability to purchase games directly from the app will not be available initially. With the court’s ruling, Google is no longer permitted to mandate the use of its billing system by developers or restrict them from informing users about alternative payment options.
This development means that Microsoft can offer games for purchase without having to pay Google a commission, a significant shift that likely influenced Xbox’s decision not to sell games within its Android app previously. Epic’s ongoing lawsuit against Google, which culminated in a federal jury ruling in favor of the plaintiff in 2023, has played a key role in shaping the current landscape of app distribution and billing services for Android devices.
In response to Judge Donato’s ruling, Google has expressed its intention to appeal, citing the belief that Android is an open platform with multiple distribution options available to developers. As the legal battle continues, Xbox players can look forward to a more seamless gaming experience on their Android devices, with the ability to access and purchase games directly through the Xbox App.
