Things were headed differently when Microsoft finalized its colossal $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, marking the biggest deal in gaming history.
One of Microsoft's primary motivations for this purchase was to gain control of Activision Blizzard's mobile division, King, renowned for the immensely popular Candy Crush series.
With this, we expect to see more about Xbox mobile gaming a few months from now. Could this be the new project to rival Apple and Google?
Microsoft Solidifies Mobile Gaming Ambitions
Microsoft has long been vocal about its plans to introduce a mobile gaming app that allows users to play Xbox first-party games on the go. This vision is set to become a reality soon.
Xbox President Sarah Bond told The Verge that Microsoft will debut its first mobile offering this year, enabling mobile players to find deals on in-game items and discover new games. This initiative will begin as a web-based store accessible from any device.
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Launch of the Xbox Web-Based Store
Bond announced that the web-based store will launch in July 2024. This store represents the initial phase in Microsoft's strategy to build a trusted app store rooted in gaming. The company plans to transition from the web-based version to a full-fledged mobile app in the future.
A New Competitor in the Mobile App Market
During the Bloomberg Technology Summit, Bond elaborated on Microsoft's plans, stating, "We're going to start by bringing our own first-party portfolio to [the Xbox mobile store], so you're going to see games like Candy Crush and Minecraft in that experience."
This new storefront aims to rival giants like Apple's App Store and Google Play by focusing exclusively on mobile games.
Microsoft Aims to Attract More Mobile Gamers in the Future
Microsoft's entry into the mobile gaming app market indicates that Xbox will adjust to the changes in the new platform. By leveraging the popularity of games like Candy Crush and Minecraft, the Redmond giant is poised to attract a substantial user base.
Of course, the launch of the web-based store is just the beginning, with the full mobile app expected to follow, offering gamers a comprehensive platform to enjoy their favorite titles on the go.
What Can Xbox Consider on Mobile Gaming
According to Gizchina, Microsoft might prioritize some aspects to catch up with popular mobile gaming stores.
As such, Microsoft can focus on cross-platform gaming to lure more gamers who also play on other consoles. The company should also think of a way for how developers can benefit from this transition. More games mean more profit for the organization.
Furthermore, the console maker can also keep up with Apple and Google by launching better pricing structures and exciting features designed for mobile players.
