Microsoft to Introduce Game Sales on Xbox Android App

Update, October 14, 2024: Xbox has provided clarification to GamesIndustry.biz, stating that Sarah Bond's announcement pertains to full Xbox console titles, not mobile games. These purchased titles will be accessible for play within the Xbox App through Xbox Cloud Gaming. This clarification has been incorporated into the original article below. Original report, October 11, 2024: Microsoft is set to expand its mobile gaming offerings by integrating game sales into its Xbox App for Android devices later this year. The announcement was made by Xbox president Sarah Bond via social media, indicating that users will have the ability to purchase and play games directly from the app. While specific details regarding available titles were not provided, the introduction of game sales is slated to commence in November. This development is separate from Microsoft's plans to launch its own mobile application store. The store, initially planned for a summer launch, was expected to feature first-party titles such as Candy Crush and Minecraft. Microsoft's mobile store is anticipated to be a distinct entity from the Xbox app, potentially on a larger scale, given that Microsoft Gaming head Phil Spencer mentioned in December that the store is being developed in collaboration with unnamed partners. The introduction of game sales on the Xbox app was linked by Bond to the recent US court ruling that opens up Google Play to competing app stores. However, experts suggest that these changes will have a minimal impact on the mobile market's dynamics.