Beginning in November, Xbox enthusiasts across the United States will gain the ability to purchase and play games directly through the Xbox App on their Android devices. This significant shift comes on the heels of a protracted legal battle between Epic Games and tech giants Google and Apple. The recent developments have opened avenues that were previously restricted, allowing for a more flexible gaming experience.
Legal Landscape Shifts
In December 2023, a pivotal ruling saw Google on the defensive after losing a monopoly case to Epic Games. This verdict has paved the way for developers to establish their own app stores within the Android ecosystem. A US judge issued a permanent injunction against Google, compelling the company to allow alternative methods for app downloads. In response, Google has indicated plans to appeal the decision, with spokesperson Lee-Anne Mulholland stating, “The Epic verdict missed the obvious: Apple and Android clearly compete.” The company seeks to maintain a consistent user experience while navigating the legal complexities ahead.
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…October 10, 2024
The ruling has effectively opened the door for Microsoft to enable gamers to purchase Xbox titles on their Android devices, with the added benefit of streaming these games via the Xbox Cloud Gaming platform. Xbox president Sarah Bond expressed enthusiasm on X, stating, “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.”
Microsoft has been diligently working on an Xbox Mobile Store, with initial plans announced in May for a launch that was anticipated in July. However, the mobile store remains “coming soon,” as the website launched in June continues to indicate that the company is actively developing this feature.
The court’s ruling to open up Google’s mobile store in the US will allow more choice and flexibility.
Xbox President Sarah Bond
In her recent communication, Bond urged patience from the community as they prepare for the public release, emphasizing the importance of staying connected with Xbox for future updates. It remains unclear whether her remarks pertain specifically to the mobile game store or the broader Xbox app. Nevertheless, the recent ruling from Google has seemingly accelerated timelines for Xbox to introduce a platform that facilitates game purchases on Android devices.
As 2024 unfolds, Google finds itself grappling with numerous lawsuits that challenge its business practices and raise accusations of monopolistic behavior. Reports have surfaced indicating that the Justice Department is contemplating a request for a federal judge to break up Alphabet, Google’s parent company, potentially necessitating the divestiture of significant business segments, including Chrome and Android.
