Microsoft Delays Launch of Xbox Mobile App Store on Android
Microsoft’s ambitious plans to bring its Xbox experience to Android devices have hit a temporary snag. Despite initial plans for an November launch, the company has announced a delay due to an ongoing legal battle between Google and Epic Games.
While Microsoft has not publicly provided a new timeline for the launch of its Xbox mobile app, it remains committed to bringing its store to both Android and iOS platforms.
In statements across social media platforms, Sarah Bond, Xbox’s vice president of involves, expressed the company’s disappointment but emphasized Microsoft’s commitment to offering more choices for gamers. Microsoft was ready to launch the app, but a court order requiring Google to open its Play Store to competing app stores led to a temporary stay of the launch.
“At Xbox, we want to give players more options for how and where they play, including the ability to play and purchase games directly from the Xbox app,” Bond shared on the platform. “We recently shared our ambition to unlock these features first with Google Play Store.”
Why the Delay? The Battle Over App Stores
The delay stems from a complicated lawsuit between both Android and iOS. Epic Games previously launched its own legal challenge against both tech giants, arguing that allowing alternative app stores onto the platforms.]
“Due to a temporary administrative stay recently granted by the courts, we are currently unable to launch these features as planned. Our team has the functionality created and ready to go live as soon as the court makes a final decision,” said Bond cited in a statement.
Apple and Google implement strict rules over app distribution, demanding a commission on all in-app purchases. Epic Games alleges these restrictions unfairly stifle competition and aimed to open their app store.
Google, in response to the Epic Games lawsuit, previously acknowledged that permitting alternative app stores would pose risks, particularly when it came to user safety.
“The Court’s order and the rush to force its implementation threaten Google Play’s ability to provide a safe experience," commented a Google spokesperson.
Upcoming Alternatives
Microsoft’s Xbox storefront aimed to benefit not only itself but game developers. Epic Games won, in part thanks to creator Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, they Capitals, the Epic Games pantheon. This will provide developers a different channel to reach mobile gamers, potentially bypassing the commission structure wielded by Google and Apple.
Microsoft’s});
"Our mission is to enable more gamers to play on more devices, so we’re excited to share that starting in November, gamers will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly from the Xbox app on Android," Bond confirmed earlier this year. It remains to be seen if this continues to be the case but Microsoft remain dedicated to providing more options, even regardless of dates.
Similar to the Xbox mobile app development, various app makers to bring their offerings around’s restrictions and provide alternatives.
How is the legal battle between Google and Epic Games impacting Microsoft’s launch of the Xbox mobile app store?
## Xbox Mobile Store Launch Delayed: An Interview
**(Interviewer):** Welcome back to “Tech Talk.” Today we’re discussing the recent delay of Microsoft’s Xbox mobile app store launch on Android. Joining us is gaming industry analyst, Jane Smith. Jane, thanks for being with us.
**(Jane Smith):** My pleasure.
**(Interviewer):** So, Microsoft was set to launch its mobile app store in November. What happened?
**(Jane Smith):** Essentially, Microsoft is caught in the crossfire of a legal battle between Google and Epic Games. Epic is challenging the dominance of Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store by arguing that they should allow competing app stores. A recent court order requiring Google to open its Play Store to these competitors has created a legal gray area that Microsoft wants to avoid until things are clearer.
**(Interviewer):** So, Microsoft is essentially playing it safe until the legal situation is resolved?
**(Jane Smith):** Exactly. They were ready to launch, as Sarah Bond, Xbox’s VP of involves, stated on social media. They are committed to bringing more choices to gamers, but they also want to ensure they are operating within the legal framework. It wouldn’t make sense for them to launch only to potentially face legal challenges later.
**(Interviewer):** What does this mean for Android gamers who were eagerly anticipating the Xbox app store?
**(Jane Smith):** It’s certainly a disappointment, especially for those wanting to buy and play Xbox games directly on their Android devices. However, it’s important to remember that Microsoft is committed to making this happen. They’ve explicitly stated their intentions to launch on both Android and iOS, so it’s likely a matter of “when” not “if.”
**(Interviewer):** Any idea when we might see this launch finally happen?
**(Jane Smith):** Unfortunately, no firm timeline has been announced. It’ll depend largely on the outcome of the ongoing legal battle between Google and Epic. Once that’s resolved, we can likely expect a clearer picture from Microsoft.
**(Interviewer):** Thanks for shedding light on this situation, Jane. We’ll continue to keep our viewers updated on any developments.
**(Jane Smith):** My pleasure.
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