In a significant development for mobile gaming, Microsoft has revealed that starting next month, users will be able to purchase and play Xbox games directly through the Xbox app on Android devices. This announcement, made by Xbox president Sarah Bond via Twitter, comes in the wake of a recent court ruling that compelled Google to make notable adjustments to its Play Store policies, effective November 1.
Changes to the Xbox App
The ability to buy games through the Xbox app has been a long-awaited feature, especially considering that competitors like PlayStation and Steam have already integrated similar functionalities into their respective applications. The lack of this option on the Xbox app raised questions, particularly as it appeared that such transactions did not necessarily require adherence to Play Store billing protocols, which typically involve sharing a portion of sales with Google.
Currently, gamers can enjoy many Xbox titles on their Android devices through the subscription-based Xbox Cloud Gaming service, which allows gameplay without the need for a console. This service stands alongside offerings from Sony and Valve, which also provide game streaming capabilities. However, those services are generally free and rely on streaming content from a user’s own PlayStation or PC.
Google’s guidelines stipulate that apps featuring subscription services must utilize Play Store billing, which may have previously hindered Microsoft’s ability to offer direct game purchases. The upcoming changes could potentially pave the way for other major app developers to follow suit and introduce similar purchasing options within their applications.
As the gaming landscape evolves, there is keen interest in whether other platforms, such as Kindle, will reintroduce purchase functionalities that were removed in the past. Microsoft has been contacted for further insights regarding these updates to the Xbox app, and any additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
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