Microsoft Corp. MSFT is poised to enhance its mobile gaming landscape by introducing game sales directly within the Xbox app on Alphabet Inc.‘s GOOGL Android platform. This strategic initiative was unveiled by Xbox president Sarah Bond through her social media channels, with the rollout scheduled for November. Users will soon have the convenience of purchasing and playing games directly from the app, marking a notable advancement in mobile gaming accessibility.
The court’s ruling to open up Google´s mobile store in the US will allow more choice and flexibility. Our mission is to allow more players to play on more devices so we are thrilled to share that starting in November, players will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly…— BondSarahBond (@BondSarah_Bond) October 10, 2024
While the specific titles available at launch remain under wraps, this new capability is set to significantly enhance the functionality of the Xbox app for mobile gamers.
Expanding Mobile Gaming Capabilities
This initiative is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to solidify its presence in the mobile gaming arena. Historically, the Xbox app on Android has been primarily a tool for streaming and managing console games. However, the upcoming update will transform it into a platform where users can also purchase mobile titles directly.
Although Bond refrained from disclosing which games would be included in this initial offering, the update signifies a pivotal change in Xbox’s engagement with mobile platforms. The introduction of in-app game purchases aligns with recent shifts in mobile app store regulations, particularly following a U.S. court ruling that mandates Google Play to accommodate competing app stores.
As Microsoft continues to explore avenues to broaden its mobile gaming operations—potentially including plans for its own mobile app store—the relationship between this Xbox app update and those future ambitions remains to be seen.
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