Microsoft to Sell Games Directly Through Xbox App on Android in the US
– 1 min read
The first result of the Epic v Google ruling. From the beginning of November 2024, Microsoft will sell games directly through the Xbox Store on Android. Some of these games will also be playable on mobile devices via Cloud Gaming.
In direct response to the Epic v Google ruling, in which a US court ordered Google to open up Android to third-party stores (as we reported), Microsoft has announced that it will sell games directly in the Xbox mobile app. However, the plan initially appears to be limited to the US. Google has already announced that it will appeal against the ruling.
According to Xbox President Bond, Sarah Bond: "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 will allow Xbox app users to buy and stream games directly. Microsoft did not provide further details when asked by The Verge, noting that other stores such as Steam or PlayStation also allow purchases in their mobile apps. This is probably because users can't actually play the games they buy on the mobile device in the Steam or PlayStation apps. These are purchases for other platforms - almost like ordering physical goods from Amazon in the Amazon app. Google's fee does not apply to these 'non-digital goods'. In the Xbox app, (some, but not all) purchased games can also be played directly on the Android device via Cloud Gaming, which would then be subject to Google's fee. However, with the new law coming into effect in early November, this restriction will be eliminated. In addition, Microsoft is known to be working on its own (web-based) Xbox Store for mobile phones.
Never miss anything from the German, Swiss and Austrian games industry again: subscribe for free to our Daily newsletter and get all news straight to your inbox.
Written by
Marcel Kleffmann is Chief of Content of GamesMarket and our B2B and B2C expert for hardware, market data, products and launch numbers with more than two decades of editorial experience.
