Microsoft to Launch Xbox Mobile Gaming Store in Anticipation of Regulatory Changes
Microsoft is planning to launch its Xbox mobile gaming store as soon as next year, according to the company’s Xbox chief Phil Spencer. The move comes as Microsoft seeks to rival Apple and Google’s mobile gaming store dominance, and as the company prepares for a world where mobile devices are opened up to alternative app stores.
Plans for the Xbox Mobile Store
The Xbox mobile store is designed to offer Xbox content from both Microsoft and third-party partners across any screen where users want to play. The store will rely on content from Activision Blizzard, including popular mobile games such as Call of Duty: Mobile and Candy Crush Saga, both published by Activision and King, respectively. Early last year, Microsoft gave a hint about the “next-generation store”, which was just a month after the company had announced its proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Regulatory Challenges
To ensure that the Xbox mobile store can thrive on Android and iOS devices, Microsoft will need regulatory approval. Currently, Apple does not allow alternative app stores on its iPhone and iPad devices, and even rival payment methods are not available in most countries. Companies such as Microsoft and Spotify are hoping that the EU’s Digital Markets Act will force Apple and Google to open their platforms up to competition.
Building a Broader Xbox Mobile Platform
In addition to the Xbox mobile store, Microsoft is also building a broader Xbox mobile platform. This platform would allow developers to run their own app stores within Microsoft’s Xbox mobile ecosystem. Microsoft has already partnered with Logitech and Razer for their cloud gaming-focused handhelds and was quick to support Xbox Cloud Gaming on Valve’s Steam Deck.
Waiting on Regulatory Approval
However, for any of this to become a reality, Microsoft is still awaiting regulatory approval of its proposed Activision Blizzard acquisition. Microsoft has been sparring with the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority, highlighting “clear errors” in the regulator’s financial math. Meanwhile, the European Commission and the Federal Trade Commission are also scrutinizing the deal. The FTC sued to block the acquisition last year, and the case is still at the document discovery stage, with an evidentiary hearing scheduled for August 2nd. Documents on Microsoft’s “next-generation gaming ecosystem” were recently requested by FTC lawyers, which could possibly refer to the company’s intentions to create the Xbox mobile gaming store.
Overall, the Xbox mobile store represents an ambitious move by Microsoft to expand its gaming ecosystem beyond traditional consoles and PCs. If successful, the store could help to redefine the mobile gaming market and give consumers more choice and control over how they play and purchase games on their mobile devices.
