Xbox President Sarah Bond made an exciting announcement that players will soon be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly from the Xbox App on Android. This development is set to bring greater convenience and choice to gamers using Android devices, allowing them to access their favorite Xbox titles without relying on other platforms.
Why Is This Announcement Significant?
The timing of Bond’s announcement aligns with a recent legal ruling. On Monday, a U.S. judge ordered Google to stop forcing developers to use Google Play's billing system. This ruling opens up the Google Play store to rival payment systems and provides Android users with more options for purchasing apps and in-game content.
Bond’s Statement on the Change
Bond took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share the news, saying, "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."
What Does This Mean for Players?
Microsoft, the parent company of Xbox, will now have the ability to sell games directly to Android players without having to share revenue with Google. Typically, Google takes a portion of the income generated from in-app purchases through the Google Play store. This shift means Microsoft can operate with more freedom, potentially leading to better pricing or enhanced offerings for users.
What Games Will Be Available?
While Sarah Bond did not specify which games would be included in the Xbox App for Android, TechCrunch reached out to Microsoft to gather more information. So far, there’s no word on the specific titles, but many gamers are hopeful that popular first-party games like Halo, Forza, and Minecraft will be part of the offering.
What About Microsoft's Mobile Game Store?
Microsoft has also been working to establish its own mobile game store, a project that was originally expected to launch in July. However, the launch date has been delayed as the company is still in the testing phase. The new store aims to include Microsoft's first-party games, such as Candy Crush and Minecraft, while also inviting third-party publishers to offer their games.
Legal Context: The Epic and Google Saga
The legal ruling that facilitated this change stems from a long-running battle between Epic Games and Google. Judge James Donato issued a final ruling on the case, mandating that Google adjust the way it operates the Google Play store starting November 1. These changes will remain in effect for three years and are expected to bring more competitive pricing and options for consumers.
Conclusion
Sarah Bond's announcement about Xbox games becoming available for play and purchase directly through the Xbox App on Android marks a significant shift in the gaming landscape. With legal pressures forcing Google to open up its platform, Android users are poised to enjoy more freedom, flexibility, and access to the gaming ecosystem. As Microsoft continues to innovate with its mobile game store, the future looks bright for both casual and dedicated gamers alike.
