Microsoft Prepares to Launch Xbox Store on iOS, Android Next Year

Microsoft is planning to launch an Xbox store on mobile devices that will cater to Apple and Android users in 2024. The mobile store will be released as soon as the Activision Blizzard acquisition is cleared by the regulators.

Xbox Store on Mobile

Microsoft's Gaming Division Head Phil Spencer shared a timeline and noted the company's plan of releasing an Xbox store on iOS and Android. According to the interview published by Financial Times, the release of the mobile store will depend on regulators' approval of the company's $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

Spencer stated that the company wants to be in a position to offer Xbox and its content from them and their third-party partners on any screens. He added, "Today, we can't do that on mobile devices but we want to build towards a world that we think will be coming where those devices are opened up."

The company is also planning for the Digital Markets Act as it sees this as a huge opportunity. Under the DMA, the European Union will regulate major platforms like Apple and Google to open their devices to competing app stores. But this could be appealed by big tech companies, which may lead to delaying enforcement beyond the supposed deadline in March.

He also acknowledged how they are uncertain regarding Mircrosoft's outcome to launch its own mobile store, but said that it would be trivial for them to adapt its Xbox and Game Pass apps to sell games and subscriptions on mobile devices. Through the acquisition, Engadget reported that Activision Blizzard will be able to fill the company's current lack of mobile games.

Opposing the Acquisition

Regulators from the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom have been raising concerns regarding this acquisition and its potential impact on the industry. Game Spot reported that the company tries to buy the developer of one of the world's most popular game franchises. Sony, which is the maker of PlayStation, has been very vocal regarding its opposition to the deal.

Despite this, the head firmly believes that this deal rather boosts the competition as Microsoft will bring it to the largest platform people play on, which are smartphones. This is where Apple and Google enter the conversation and distribute several apps and games compatible with Xbox.

Aside from the developing ones, Activision Blizzard owns massive hit titles, including Call of Duty Mobile, Diablo Immortal, Candy Crush Saga, and more. By moving into mobile, it would attract players away from the existing mobile stores and gain its market towards the Xbox Mobile Store.

Polygon reported that if other companies would open up their platforms, Microsoft will be turning phones into portals to cater Game Pass subscriptions and Cloud Gaming services. Despite several oppositions, Microsoft is already certain to put its entire catalog on whether it is allowed to complete the deal or not.