Microsoft has been developing a mobile storefront for Xbox that would be available on Android and iOS devices. This ambitious Xbox store app aims to allow users to purchase and launch games directly from Microsoft’s application, circumventing the traditional channels of Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store. Although the company had plans to roll out the Xbox app on Android in November, it has faced delays due to a stay on a court order requiring Google to make its Play Store more open to competition.
Delay in Android Xbox Store Launch
On Thursday, Xbox president Sarah Bond discussed the situation in a post on X rival Bluesky, explaining that Microsoft could not implement features enabling Android users to buy and play games directly via the Xbox app. This setback stems from a court-issued stay related to the Play Store’s redesign.
“At Xbox, we strive to give players more choice regarding how and where they play, including the ability to purchase and play games directly from the Xbox app,” Bond explained in her post.
She had previously articulated the company’s intentions to introduce these features through the Google Play Store on Android devices in the U.S., paving the way for other app stores to adapt to consumer demands.
“Due to a temporary administrative stay recently granted by the courts, we are currently unable to launch these features as planned,” she stated. “Our team has the functionality built and ready to go live as soon as the court makes a final decision.”
3/4: 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.
— BondSarahBond (@bondsarahbond.bsky.social) November 28, 2024 at 2:45 AM
Bond expressed Microsoft’s eagerness to launch the app and provide users with “more choice and flexibility.” Earlier in October, when a U.S. court ordered changes to Google’s Play Store to allow for alternative app purchases, Bond mentioned that this change would enable Android users to buy and play games directly from the Xbox app starting in November.
In a statement to Technology News, a Google spokesperson contended that while Microsoft had the capability to let Android users purchase and play games via the Xbox app, the company had 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. Microsoft, like Epic, are ignoring these very real security concerns. We remain focused on supporting an ecosystem that works for everyone, not just two of the largest game companies,” the spokesperson claimed.
Legal Developments and Play Store Changes
The debate surrounding the Xbox mobile marketplace highlights ongoing antitrust challenges related to the app storefront policies established by Apple and Google, which some argue inhibit competition. Epic Games, known for its popular title Fortnite, has pursued legal action against both companies over policies that enforce a commission on transactions and restrict alternative storefronts.
In October, a U.S. court mandated Google to revamp its Play Store to allow alternative marketplaces for app downloads, permitting users to pay through other platforms. In response, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney noted that the Epic Games Store and other app platforms would be available on Google Play by 2025.
Shortly after, Google received a temporary stay against this court order, claiming that the implementation could introduce significant safety, security, and privacy risks into the Android ecosystem.
Back in March 2023, Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, announced plans for a dedicated app store for Xbox games and third-party content on both iOS and Android, initially projected for a March 2024 launch.
By December of that year, Spencer indicated ongoing discussions with third-party partners regarding the Xbox mobile storefront, hinting at a potential earlier launch. “It’s an important part of our strategy and something we are actively working on today, not only alone but with other partners who’d also like to see more options for monetization on mobile,” he stated in an interview.
