Microsoft announced that, beginning in November, it will allow Android users to purchase and play Xbox games directly through its Xbox app, following a significant U.S. court ruling. This decision comes in the wake of a legal battle in which Google was ordered to provide alternatives to its Google Play Store, after losing a case to Epic Games, the publisher of Fortnite. Google intends to appeal the ruling but will need to comply for now.
In a statement on social media, Sarah Bond, president of Microsoft’s Xbox division, emphasized that the ruling will create “more choice and flexibility” for mobile gamers in the U.S. As part of this change, Microsoft will enable Android users to buy Xbox titles directly from the Xbox app without having to give Google a cut of in-app purchase revenues. This shift marks a notable change in the way mobile games are distributed and sold on Android devices, offering more direct access to Microsoft’s gaming catalog.
Currently, Xbox app users on Android can download games to their consoles and stream games from the cloud using the Game Pass Ultimate subscription service. With the upcoming changes, gamers will have the option to make purchases directly through the app, offering an easier and more streamlined way to access Xbox games on mobile.
This move signals Microsoft’s increased focus on mobile gaming, an area where it has lagged behind competitors like Google and Meta in recent years. Microsoft’s mobile ambitions have been underscored by its high-profile acquisition of Activision Blizzard, completed in October 2023 for $75.4 billion. During court hearings leading up to the acquisition, Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft’s gaming division, highlighted the importance of mobile gaming to the future success of Xbox, stating that the business needed to attract mobile users to remain competitive.
While the new Xbox app functionality will be limited to Android devices for now, Microsoft has not yet announced any similar plans for Apple’s iOS platform.
This strategic move by Microsoft is part of a broader industry trend toward diversifying mobile gaming options, as companies seek to reduce reliance on major app stores like Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
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