Key Points:
- Microsoft’s Xbox Games Store is set to debut on Android and iOS in July, offering popular titles like Candy Crush and Minecraft.
- The store will initially launch as a web-based platform, ensuring accessibility across all devices and regions without restrictions.
- Microsoft’s move faces challenges from Google and Apple’s dominance, but the EU’s Digital Market Act could pave the way for broader access to Xbox games on iOS devices.
In a strategic move towards expanding its gaming ecosystem, Microsoft has confirmed the impending launch of its Xbox Games Store for Android and iOS platforms. Speculations about Microsoft’s foray into the mobile gaming market surfaced last year during its acquisition of Activision-Blizzard. Xbox chief Phil Spencer hinted at a mobile game store in development, a vision that is now materializing in 2024.
During the Bloomberg Technology Summit, Microsoft Xbox president Sarah Bond announced the official launch slated for July, promising an inclusive experience that transcends platform boundaries. The store will debut as a web-based platform, allowing seamless access across various devices and geographical regions.
While Google’s open ecosystem poses minimal obstacles to Microsoft’s endeavor, Apple’s tightly controlled App Store presents challenges. However, recent regulatory shifts, such as the EU’s Digital Market Act, may offer opportunities for broader access to Xbox games on iOS devices.
Microsoft’s entry into the mobile gaming market signifies a significant step towards diversifying its gaming portfolio and reaching a broader audience. With the Xbox Games Store set to redefine the mobile gaming landscape, all eyes are on its impact on the gaming industry’s future trajectory.
