Microsoft has announced that starting in November, users can play and purchase Xbox games directly from the Xbox app on Android.
This announcement comes via Xbox President Sarah Bond, who, in a post on X, said, “The court’s ruling to open up Google´s mobile store in the US will allow more choice and flexibility. Our mission is to allow more players to play on more devices so we are thrilled to share that starting in November, players will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly from the Xbox App on Android.”
The court’s ruling to open up Google´s mobile store in the US will allow more choice and flexibility. Our mission is to allow more players to play on more devices so we are thrilled to share that starting in November, players will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly…
— BondSarahBond (@BondSarah_Bond) October 10, 2024
Bond is referring to a recent US court ruling that mandated Google restructure its Play Store to allow third-party app store access to the app catalog and stop requiring its own Play Billing system as the method of payments for apps and games starting November 1, 2024, for three years.
This will allow Microsoft to bypass Google’s Play Billing system and avoid paying a 30% app tax to the Mountain View-based internet search giant.
It’s unclear why Microsoft can’t already sell Xbox games through its Android app since you can buy games from Steam and PlayStation Store on mobile devices. Regardless, Microsoft’s decision to sell Xbox games directly from its Xbox app on Android is welcomed. Here’s hoping the court ruling against Google will pave the way for more third-party app stores to sell their apps/games directly on Android devices.
