From November, Xbox players will be able to play and buy games directly from the Xbox App on Android. Microsoft’s president of Xbox, Sarah Bond, did Ad on X“The court’s decision to open Google’s mobile store in the US will allow for more choice and flexibility,” he said. He’s talking about a recent ruling by US District Judge James Donato in Google’s four-year antitrust battle with Epic Games. Judge gave a standing order this will force Google to grant third-party app stores access to the Play library and make Android apps available in alternative storefronts.
The court’s decision to open Google’s mobile store in the US will allow more choice and flexibility. Our mission is to let more gamers 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…
— BondSarahBond (@BondSarah_Bond) October 10, 2024
as CNBC It should be noted that players can download games to Xbox consoles through the Android application, and Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can also stream games on their phones. However, they cannot buy the games directly from the app. Following the court ruling, Google will no longer be able to require developers to use its billing system and will not be allowed to prevent developers from telling people about more affordable payment options. Microsoft will be able to offer titles for purchase without paying Google a commission, which is likely why Xbox doesn’t sell games on its Android app.
Epic’s lawsuit against Google has been going on for years. Federal grand jury in 2023 moved to the plaintiff’s side and found that Google has an illegal monopoly on app distribution and in-app payment services for Android devices. When Judge Donato handed down his decision, Google told Engadget that it would appeal the decision because it “fails to take into account that Android is an open platform, and developers have always had many options in how to distribute their apps.”
