Microsoft has long discussed its plans to introduce an Xbox mobile games store, and it’s set to kick off the project in July. Xbox President Sarah Bond shared details during the Bloomberg Technology Summit, highlighting the company’s strategy to bypass Apple App Store restrictions.
Expanding Game Portfolio
“We’re starting with our own portfolio on the Xbox mobile store, featuring games like Candy Crush and Minecraft,” Bond explained. The initial focus will be on the web version to ensure accessibility across devices and regions, independent of closed ecosystem policies.
The store will showcase original mobile games from Microsoft studios, including titles like Call of Duty: Mobile and Candy Crush Saga. Future plans involve incorporating games from partners and integrating elements of the Xbox ecosystem.
Challenging the Status Quo
Microsoft hopes its initiative will prompt Apple and Google to open up their mobile app stores. However, the company isn’t waiting for regulatory changes like the Digital Markets Act (DMA) to take action, with plans for initiatives in both Europe and the US. Bond acknowledged the difficulty of relying solely on a web platform and the challenge of competing with established app stores.
Forward Momentum
The project was first announced in 2022, coinciding with Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Phil Spencer, Microsoft’s gaming chief, expressed the company’s ambition to make games available “on any screen.” However, achieving this on mobile devices has been a hurdle until now, notes NIX Solutions.
We’ll keep you updated as Microsoft navigates the complexities of launching its Xbox mobile games store, confronting industry norms and regulatory landscapes. Stay tuned for further developments.