Xbox Mobile Store Is Ready to Launch on Android, Says Microsoft, Except Google Is Trying to Block It
We started reporting over a year ago that Microsoft would build an Xbox mobile store to launch this year, following rumors from The Verge's Tom Warren.
Shortly after, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer confirmed the plan was real. Microsoft introduced Xbox mobile game sales via Web in July, but the real plan was to sell games directly through their Android app.
Xbox president Sarah Bond previously said the goal was to start in November, but that did not happen, and the executive has now revealed why in a series of messages sent on Blue Sky. Related Story Google And DOJ Deliver Closing Arguments In The Ad Tech Monopoly Case As The Legal Battle Reaches A Critical JunctureAt Xbox, we want to offer players more choice on how and where they play, including being able to play and buy games directly from the Xbox app.
I recently shared our ambition to unlock these features first with the Google Play Store on Android devices in the U.S. while other app stores adapt to meet consumer demand.
Due to a temporary administrative stay recently granted by the courts, we are currently unable to launch these features as planned.