In a significant move for gamers, Microsoft is gearing up to enhance its Xbox mobile app for Android platforms next month, enabling users in the US to purchase and indulge in Xbox games right from their devices. This development follows a recent ruling by a US court that mandates an end to Google’s restrictive payment practices within its Play Store, opening up more flexibility for app developers and consumers alike.
Xbox President Sarah Bond announced the exciting news via a post on platform 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, so we are thrilled to share that starting in November, players will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly from the Xbox App on Android.” This statement reflects a progressive shift in the gaming landscape, particularly for mobile users.
The recent court decision revealed that Google had been operating an illegal monopoly regarding its Android app store. As a result, the tech giant is now required to cease enforcing its own Google Play Billing system by November 1st. This decision came after a jury concluded that Google had unlawfully tied its payment systems to its app distribution model, stifling competition within the market. For the next three years, Google must allow a wider range of payment solutions and accept third-party app stores within its own platform.
With this newfound freedom, Microsoft plans to allow users to purchase Xbox games directly through the mobile app, thus bypassing the earlier restrictions. The integration of Xbox Cloud Gaming within this app will further enhance the user experience by providing an instant streaming option of purchased games directly to handheld devices.
A question lingering in the industry is why Microsoft did not previously enable these purchasing capabilities within its app. Unlike Xbox, game purchases have been seamlessly available on other platforms such as Steam and PlayStation Store through mobile devices. Despite these changes, when approached for further clarification, Microsoft indicated that the details were limited to Bond’s initial announcement.
Furthermore, alongside the app updates, Microsoft is also developing a browser-based Xbox mobile store, initially slated for launch in July. The focus of this impending platform will include first-party games developed by Microsoft’s studios, as well as appealing deals and in-game items for players. Microsoft confirmed in August that testing of this web-based store is ongoing and they are optimistic about sharing additional updates in the future.
As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the implications of these changes, the ability to request game purchases directly via mobile platforms represents a significant evolution in how users interact with Xbox games, reflecting ongoing shifts in app distribution and competition within the tech industry. As November approaches, gamers will be watching closely to see how these features will reshape the Xbox gaming experience on Android devices.