Microsoft to Allow Purchase and Play of Video Games on Xbox App for Android
Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, announced at the Gamescom conference in Cologne, Germany, on Aug. 23, 2023, that Microsoft will enable users to buy and play video games through its Xbox app for Android starting in November. This decision comes after a U.S. judge ruled that Google must offer alternatives to its Google Play app store on Android devices.
In a jury trial where Google faced off against Epic Games, Google lost and plans to appeal the decision. Microsoft’s Xbox gaming business president, Sarah Bond, expressed that the court’s ruling will provide more choice and flexibility for users. Under this new model, Microsoft will offer Xbox games directly through the Xbox App on Android, allowing users to purchase titles without giving Google a percentage of revenue from in-app purchases.
This move highlights Microsoft’s commitment to mobile gaming, especially after the company’s slow start in the mobile app market following an antitrust case with the U.S. Justice Department. Microsoft’s acquisition of game publisher Activision Blizzard for .4 billion in October 2023 further solidified its focus on mobile customers.
While Microsoft has not announced similar plans for Apple’s iOS devices, users with Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions can currently stream games through Apple and Google web browsers on iPhones or iPads. The company’s decision to expand its offerings on Android demonstrates its dedication to providing a seamless gaming experience across different platforms.
