Xbox app to offer more flexibility for gamers
In a significant development for mobile gaming, Xbox President Sarah Bond revealed that Xbox will soon let players buy and play games directly through its Xbox App on Android devices. This comes after a recent U.S. court ruling against Google’s control over billing systems in its Play Store, a move that could reshape how developers and users interact with mobile platforms.
Bond expressed her excitement about X (formerly known as Twitter), stating, “The court’s ruling to open up Google’s mobile store in the U.S. will allow more choice and flexibility. Our mission is to let more players play on more devices, so we are thrilled to announce that starting in November, players can play and purchase Xbox games directly from the Xbox App on Android.”
The update will allow Xbox to sell games through its Android app without Google taking a portion of the in-app purchases. This new freedom could lead to better pricing for players and more direct relationships between Xbox and its customers. While Bond did not reveal specific details on which games will be available, this development promises to significantly expand Xbox’s mobile offerings.
Microsoft’s plans for a mobile game store
The news of the Xbox app update also ties into Microsoft’s broader strategy to grow its mobile gaming footprint. Microsoft has been working on launching its mobile game store. It was initially planned for release in July but is still in development. This store aims to bring popular titles from Microsoft’s first-party portfolio, such as Candy Crush and Minecraft, to mobile users. The long-term goal is to open the store to third-party publishers, creating a competitive alternative to Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
Google’s response to the ruling
Conversely, Google has vowed to appeal the decision, arguing that the imposed changes could harm Android’s ability to compete with Apple’s iOS. In its official statement, Google claimed the changes might “undercut Android’s ability to compete” and will seek to halt the order while the appeal is underway. For now, the ruling stands, and starting in November, the landscape for Android app purchases could look very different.
As Microsoft continues to test its new mobile store and with the Xbox App offering game purchases directly on Android, the future of mobile gaming is shifting toward more user-friendly options. This ruling could pave the way for more competition, greater choice for players, and a more flexible app market overall.
