Microsoft has announced that beginning in November, users will have the ability to both play and purchase Xbox games directly through the Xbox app on Android devices.
This exciting update was shared by Xbox President Sarah Bond in a post on X. She highlighted that the recent court ruling to open up Google’s mobile store in the United States will provide greater choice and flexibility for consumers. Bond emphasized the company’s mission to enable more players to enjoy gaming across a wider range of devices. She expressed enthusiasm for this development, stating, “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 move represents a significant step toward enhancing the gaming experience and accessibility for Xbox fans on mobile platforms.
A recent U.S. court ruling has mandated that Google restructure its Play Store operations, opening up access to third-party app stores and removing the requirement for developers to use Google’s Play Billing system as the sole method of payment for apps and games. This ruling, set to take effect on November 1, 2024, will be enforced for three years, potentially shaking up the way app developers and users interact with the Android ecosystem.
One of the immediate beneficiaries of this ruling is Microsoft, which will now be able to bypass Google’s Play Billing system and avoid paying the hefty 30% commission, often referred to as the “app tax,” that Google has traditionally charged for in-app purchases. This change could significantly impact the profitability of selling digital goods on Android, as Microsoft will have more control over how it sells Xbox games through its Android app.
Interestingly, it remains unclear why Microsoft hasn’t already been able to sell Xbox games directly through its Android app, especially considering that other platforms, such as Steam and PlayStation Store, already allow users to purchase games via mobile devices. Regardless, Microsoft’s forthcoming ability to sell Xbox games directly through its Android app is a welcome development for gamers and developers alike, offering more choices and potentially lower costs.
This court ruling against Google could be a major turning point, paving the way for other third-party app stores to sell their apps and games directly to Android users without the need to go through Google’s billing system. The decision may lead to a more open Android ecosystem, with greater competition and innovation in the app marketplace.