Xbox App Store Coming to Android Devices, Microsoft Inches Closer to Integration
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Step into the future with Xbox, as they aim to join the ranks of app sellers, free from Google's hold. Microsoft's gaming division declared on Twitter that Android users will soon be able to purchase games for their Xbox account directly through the Android Xbox app. Although you won't be able to play Game Pass games on your mobile device unless you're streaming, this move could mark Microsoft's initial step towards establishing its own true app store on Android devices.
In a Twitter post, Xbox President Sarah Bond revealed that players can start purchasing Xbox games through the Xbox App come November. Referencing California federal Judge James Donato's recent ruling in the Epic v. Google case, Bond expressed that this decision opens up Google's mobile store in the U.S.
"Our goal is to give more players the freedom to play on more devices," she said, followed by, "Starting in November, Players will be able to play and purchase Xbox Games" from the Xbox app. While this statement seems vague for now, we can't deny that Microsoft has harbored dreams of operating its own mobile app store for quite some time. The company's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard granted Xbox access to King Digital Entertainment titles, which continues to house the popular Candy Crush Saga.
In August, Microsoft disclosed to The Verge that they were developing a browser-based mobile store that was "progressing" up until August. It remains unclear if Microsoft intends to abandon this store in favor of the revitalized app.
At present, purchasing games or a Game Pass subscription requires you to navigate the company's web store page. The Xbox app on Android doesn't allow you to download or play games you own through Game Pass or otherwise, but it does offer access to Game Pass Ultimate's game streaming. Meanwhile, popular game shops like Steam and PlayStation Store enable users to purchase games directly through their mobile apps, with neither app requiring users to go through Play Store billing.
On Monday, Donato's verdict in Epic v. Google deemed that Google could no longer force third-party app stores to utilize Google Play Billing. Google has already appealed the decision, urging the court for a temporary pause on the requested changes to Android's ecosystem while the appeal is underway. Otherwise, Google has until November 3 to make the necessary adjustments to the Play Store and Android.
Last year, a jury declared Google's Play Store a monopoly, initiating a series of events that could reshape Google's software empire. The court restricted Google from setting up obstacles or offering incentives to competing third-party app stores for the next three years.
With part of Google's business officially recognized as a monopoly, federal authorities are already brainstorming ways to fragment the Search giant into smaller, more manageable entities. The Department of Justice proposed a plan on Tuesday that aimed to curb Google Search dominance on Android, essentially splitting off Google's Chrome and Android businesses. Google's response argued that this plan would compromise user privacy if they're forced to share search queries, clicks, and results with competitors, overlooking the fact that Google already possesses all this data.
- Microsoft's gaming division, led by President Sarah Bond, aims to embed tech in the future through the establishment of its own mobile app store, emancipating from Google's hegemony.
- The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft has granted Xbox access to popular apps like Candy Crush Saga, potentially bolstering its app store ambitions.
- If Google doesn't appeal or delay the verdict in Epic v. Google, they will need to modify their Play Store by November, allowing apps to bypass Google Play Billing, offering opportunities for Microsoft's nascent app store.
- Google's response to the Department of Justice's proposed plan, which aims to curb Google Search dominance on Android, argues against the plan, contending that it would compromise user privacy by forcing them to share search queries, clicks, and results with competitors, neglecting the fact that Google already has access to such information.