In an interview with Bloomberg, Phil Spencer confirmed that Xbox is working with partners on a new mobile store that would compete with Google Player and the Apple App Store.

CEO of Microsoft gaming said, “It’s an important part of our strategy and something we are actively working on today not only alone, but talking to other partners who’d also like to see more choice for how they can monetize on the phone”.

Microsoft has always been about sharing the Xbox platform on as many devices and screens as possible, especially with Xbox Game Pass. Phil Spencer also talked about how there isn’t much choice on your mobile phone.

“We’ve talked about choice, and today on your mobile phones, you don’t have a choice. To make sure that Xbox is not only relevant today but for the next 10, 20 years, we’re going to have to be strong across many screens.”

This new Xbox mobile store that’s being worked on with unknown partners wouldn’t be ready to release tomorrow, but Spencer says “I don’t think this is multiple years away, I think this is sooner than that”.

It’s not surprising to see Microsoft do something like this now that Xbox Game Pass has been a success and the fact they own many game studios now after the Activision Blizzard acquisition.

Thanks to Gamesindustry.biz for pointing this news out.