Starting next month, Microsoft will roll out an update to its Xbox mobile app on Android, allowing US users to purchase and play Xbox games directly from their devices.
This update follows a recent US court ruling requiring Google to stop enforcing its Google Play Billing system for apps on the Play Store by November 1st.
In response to the ruling, Xbox president Sarah Bond expressed excitement, stating, “The court’s decision opens up more flexibility for mobile users. Beginning in November, players will be able to purchase and play Xbox games directly from the Xbox App on Android.”
The ruling stems from a long-standing antitrust case in which Google was found to have monopolized its Android app store by tying its payment system to the Play Store. In addition to no longer requiring developers to use Google Play Billing, Google will also be required to distribute rival app stores through its Play Store.
This move will allow Microsoft to sell Xbox games on Android without restrictions, further integrated with Xbox Cloud Gaming, enabling users to stream games immediately after purchasing them. While the update is coming soon, Microsoft has not clarified why Xbox game purchases weren’t previously available through the app, unlike other platforms like Steam or PlayStation.
In addition to the Android app update, Microsoft is working on a browser-based Xbox mobile store, initially featuring deals and in-game items, with plans to expand to first-party mobile games in the future. Testing for the web-based store has already begun, and Microsoft expects to provide more details soon.
