Ranking Xbox against PlayStation & Nintendo, the firm still remains in third as per console metrics. However, the firm is eager to tackle mobile gaming as the market continues to expand – opening to millions as time evolves. This was most evident with the firm’s $70 billion acquisition for Activision Blizzard King. Phil Spencer elaborated on mobile & PC as a focal point for the deal to go through.
Since then, we’ve witnessed Microsoft’s effort continue well into 2024. Previously, the firm launched the official Xbox Mobile Store with the webpage going live back in July. And more recently, the Xbox firm shared plans to fully integrate Xbox Game Pass into the proprietary Xbox app as support plans to taper off for the Game Pass client later this fall.
In a new reveal from Xbox president Sarah Bond, Microsoft intends to begin selling its titles via Android mobile app as soon as November. Through a post on X, Bond explains this will be the foundation for Xbox to move forward after a recent court ruling.
As per the ruling from the legal system, the case in mention is the recent ongoing battle Google against Epic Games resulted in the platform now opening itself to third-party stores by November this year. “Overall, the injunction breaks the illegal tie by prohibiting Google from requiring that developers use Google Play Billing in apps distributed on the Google Play Store,” the document reads.
“There is no need for the Court to take on that task because the remedy for the monopoly violation under Section 2 will also resolve the tying violation found by the jury. The restoration of free competition in the relevant markets is the best medicine for correcting fees and prices. […] A permanent injunction will be entered against Google for Epic’s Sherman Act, Cartwright Act, and UCL claims. The effective date of the injunction is November 1, 2024, to give Google time to bring its current agreements and practices into compliance.”
Are you surprised how fast Microsoft is jumping to expand its standing in mobile gaming?
