Microsoft’s ambitions to enhance its Android Xbox app have encountered an unexpected hurdle, delaying the rollout of a highly anticipated feature that would allow players in the US to purchase and play Xbox games directly from their mobile devices. Initially set to launch this month, the feature’s debut was contingent upon a recent court ruling that mandated Google to open its Play Store to competitors.
Microsoft delays Android Xbox app feature to let players buy and play Xbox games
- In October, Microsoft unveiled plans for a new Android Xbox app feature aimed at enabling mobile purchases and gameplay.
- This announcement followed a significant court decision that required Google to allow competitors access to its Play Store for a three-year period.
- However, a “temporary administrative stay” granted by the court has postponed the feature’s launch indefinitely.
Despite having the functionality fully developed and ready for deployment, Microsoft finds itself in a holding pattern due to this recent legal ruling. Xbox president Sarah Bond expressed the team’s readiness to activate the feature as soon as the court reaches a conclusive decision. “At Xbox, we want to offer players more choice on how and where they play, including being able to play and buy games directly from the Xbox app,” Bond stated on X. She emphasized the company’s commitment to unlocking these features first through the Google Play Store for Android users in the U.S., while also encouraging other app stores to adapt to evolving consumer demands.
Bond further elaborated, “Due to a temporary administrative stay recently granted by the courts, we are currently unable to launch these features as planned. Our team has the functionality built and ready to go live as soon as the court makes a final decision. We are eager to launch and give more choice and flexibility to players.”
In response, Google spokesperson Dan Jackson reiterated a familiar stance, asserting that Microsoft has always had the capability to allow Android users to purchase and play Xbox games directly through their app but has opted not to do so. “The Court’s order, and rush to force its implementation, threaten Google Play’s ability to provide a safe and secure experience,” Jackson remarked. He pointed out that concerns over security are being overlooked by Microsoft, akin to the situation with Epic Games. “We remain focused on supporting an ecosystem that works for everyone, not just two of the largest game companies.”
The feature’s revelation in October came on the heels of a court ruling that identified Google as operating a monopoly with its Play Store. The court’s directive to open the store to competitors for three years aims to foster a more competitive environment, allowing third-party app stores to flourish on the platform. Additionally, the ruling deemed the mandatory use of Google Play Billing as illegal, ordering its cessation.
Earlier this month, Microsoft introduced a new feature enabling Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to stream select owned games via Xbox Cloud Gaming. This development would have complemented the mobile plans nicely, but for now, the gaming community must remain patient as the legal landscape unfolds.
