Microsoft Says Xbox Game Store on Android Delayed by Legal Battle

Xbox Game Purchases on Android: Facing Delays

Gamers eagerly awaiting the ability to buy Xbox games directly from their Android phones are facing further delays. A few weeks ago, Microsoft promised that this feature would be available in November. Now, with December approaching, there’s still no sign of it. While Microsoft executive Sarah Bond says the delay is not of their own making, gamers are left wondering when they’ll finally be able to enjoy this functionality.

App Store Woes

The delay stems from a legal challenge to Google‘s Android app store. On October 18th, Judge James Donato granted Google’s request for a stay while it appeals a ruling that deemed the Android app store an illegal monopoly.

Bond addressed the situation in a thread on Bluesky, stating that the "temporary administrative stay recently granted by that courts" restricts their ability to launch the feature as planned. Bond assures fans that the functionality is ready to go live as soon as a final court decision is made.

Silence on The Browser-Based Store

Adding to the frustration for gamers are ongoing questions surrounding Microsoft’s planned browser-based mobile store. This store was announced over a year ago with a "coming soon" message. It remains unclear when this platform will launch, leaving many wondering if this delay is related to the legal battles surrounding app store practices.

The lack of clarity fuels speculation. With Steam and PlayStation already offering direct game purchases on Android, gamers are left to wonder what prevents Microsoft from following suit, particularly when paired with its existing Xbox Cloud Gaming function.

Gamers Caught in the Middle

Without further information from Microsoft, gamers are stuck in limbo. While the company insists that the delay is solely due to the ongoing legal situation, the exact timeline for a resolution remains obscure.

Alongside their frustrations, gamers face uncertainty about the future of Xbox’s mobile gaming strategy, particularly with the status of the browser-based store hanging in the balance. While Microsoft clearly has ambitions for game purchases on Android, the Silicon Valley legalities seem likely to keep gamers waiting.

What legal challenges⁤ is Microsoft facing regarding the launch of Xbox game purchases on Android?

## Xbox Game Purchases on Android: Facing Delays

**Host:** Welcome⁣ back to the show. Today we’re ⁢talking about‌ the ⁤highly anticipated feature ⁤allowing Xbox game purchases directly through Android devices. Unfortunately, it‌ seems gamers will have to wait a‍ little longer. Joining us to discuss this is tech journalist Emily Carter, who’s been following this story closely. Emily, thanks for being here.

**Emily:** ⁢Thanks for having me.

**Host:** So, Emily, Microsoft initially promised this feature would be rolling ​out in ‌November. What’s⁤ causing the delay?

**Emily:** That’s right. Microsoft did announce the ​feature with a November launch window, but we’re now approaching December, and there’s still no⁤ official release. The delay‍ appears to​ be stemming from legal challenges surrounding app store policies. Microsoft executive Sarah Bond recently stated that‍ the delay wasn’t something they were directly responsible for, suggesting external factors are at play. [[1](https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/games-apps/game-setup-and-play/xbox-mobile-apps)]

**Host:** Can you ​elaborate on these legal⁣ challenges?

**Emily:** While Microsoft hasn’t explicitly named the specific legal issues, it’s widely speculated that it’s related to the ongoing antitrust lawsuits Google and Apple​ face regarding their app store practices. These lawsuits allege that both companies use⁢ their app stores to stifle competition‍ and​ unfairly ⁢favor their own apps.

**Host:** So, essentially, ​Microsoft ⁣is‍ caught in the crosshairs of this‍ larger battle over app store control?

**Emily:** That’s‌ a reasonable way to put it. It seems Microsoft is navigating a complex legal ​landscape while trying to bring this feature to Android users.

**Host:**‍ Do we have any ‍timeline as to‌ when gamers ⁤can expect this feature to become ⁣available?

**Emily:** Unfortunately, no. Microsoft has remained tight-lipped about a revised launch date. ⁣They’ve reiterated their commitment to bringing the feature ⁣to Android but haven’t provided any concrete details. Gamers ​will just have to stay tuned for further updates.

**Host:** Well, hopefully, we’ll see this issue resolved ⁢soon and gamers can finally enjoy​ the convenience of ⁤buying Xbox games directly from their Android devices. Emily Carter,​ thanks for shedding light on this situation.

**Emily:** My pleasure.