Xbox to Launch In-App Game Purchases for Android Users Next Month

In a significant move for mobile gamers, Microsoft will allow users to purchase and play Xbox games directly from the Xbox mobile app on Android starting next month. This update follows a recent US court ruling that orders Google to stop enforcing its Google Play Billing system, allowing third-party stores more freedom within the Play Store starting November 1st, 2024.

What’s Changing?

This court decision, which found that Google’s control over billing on its app store constitutes an illegal monopoly, has opened the door for companies like Microsoft to offer their own payment systems. With the new Xbox app update, users will soon be able to buy Xbox games directly through the app without going through Google’s billing system. Sarah Bond, president of Xbox, confirmed the news on X (formerly Twitter), stating:

This new feature will allow users to browse, purchase, and immediately play games using the Xbox Cloud Gaming service. Players won’t need to install games on their devices—meaning they can stream Xbox titles directly from the cloud, further enhancing the convenience for mobile users.

Why Now?

Though many are excited about this change, some may wonder why Microsoft couldn’t already offer game purchases through the Xbox Android app. Other platforms like Steam and PlayStation have long allowed users to make purchases from their mobile apps, so Microsoft’s delayed entry into this space is notable. While the company hasn’t provided specific details on why it hadn’t implemented this feature earlier, the legal constraints around Google Play Billing are likely to have been a significant factor.

Now that Google must open its Play Store for third-party billing, Microsoft is eager to capitalize on the increased flexibility and offer users a more seamless and integrated gaming experience.

What Does This Mean for Gamers?

For Xbox fans, this update offers a more streamlined experience on Android devices. Instead of navigating through third-party stores or multiple apps, users can:

• Purchase Xbox games directly within the Xbox app.

• Stream games instantly using Xbox Cloud Gaming.

• Enjoy a more unified and convenient gaming experience on the go.

With Xbox Cloud Gaming, users can play titles from their Xbox library without worrying about device storage or game installations. This integration of cloud gaming and mobile purchases represents a major step forward in bringing console gaming experiences to mobile platforms.

A New Era for Android App Stores?

This development is part of a broader shift in how app stores operate. The court ruling will force Google to allow third-party app stores within its Play Store, which could lead to more competition and flexibility for developers and consumers alike. While the ruling applies to Google’s operations in the US for the next three years, its ripple effects may extend beyond, encouraging more companies to build their own mobile marketplaces.

Microsoft has also been working on a browser-based Xbox mobile store, which will primarily feature deals, in-game items, and content from first-party studios. Testing for this web-based store has already begun, and while initially focused on mobile deals, it’s expected to grow into a more comprehensive platform for mobile gaming.

What’s Next?

As Google adapts to this new legal landscape, it remains to be seen how other tech giants will respond. But for now, Android users can look forward to enjoying Xbox games more easily on their mobile devices, as Microsoft prepares to roll out these features in November.

This development underscores Microsoft’s mission to provide more choice and flexibility for gamers, and it opens up exciting possibilities for the future of mobile gaming.

Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving space from Kushal Bharat Tech News.