Microsoft has confirmed the development of a mobile game store that is set to launch as early as next year. Microsoft Gaming’s CEO, Phil Spencer, states that companies such as Apple and Google are soon going to allow third-party applications on their mobile stores.
Apple and Google phones have always kept a safe distance from third-party applications, with Apple only allowing its users to install apps that are directly partnered with them through the App Store. Apple recently revealed that they have started preparing to permit a variety of third-party applications in response to EU laws that will take effect in 2024.
The Xbox store that’s under development is said to be a direct competitor for Apple and Google, wanting to offer games and various applications created by them and their partners. In an interview, Phil Spencer explained what this “next-generation” app store will look like. He said, “We want to be in a position to offer Xbox and content from both us and our third-party partners across any screen where somebody would want to play.” And he adds, “Today, we can’t do that on mobile devices but we want to build towards a world that we think will be coming where those devices are opened up.”
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The Xbox game store will be quite similar to Apple and Google’s app stores, which will share similar apps, games, and possibly a type of year-pass, like the Xbox Game Pass. Earlier last year, Microsoft announced its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, which will lead to several well-known mobile games, such as Candy Crush Saga and Call of Duty: Mobile, making their way onto Microsoft’s mobile app store.
We’re quite excited for Microsoft’s mobile game store, but nothing can be said until the EU approves Microsoft’s deal to acquire Activision Blizzard, which was recently blocked in a lawsuit followed by the FTC in the hopes of stopping Microsoft from purchasing Activision for $68.7 billion. We should officially hear a conclusion on August 2, 2023, about Microsoft’s acquisition, which could bring several PC or console-only games to several screens.
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