Tech Desk 
Oct 11, 2024
Following Microsoft's announcement to launch an Android game store earlier this year, the company plans to sell Xbox games directly through its Android app in the US.
Starting next month, Xbox users will be able to purchase and play Microsoft's Xbox games on their mobile devices.
This update comes after a recent US court hearing, which ordered Google to stop requiring Google Play Billing for apps in the Play Store, effective November 1.
Read more: Epic Games Store announces free games for October 17
Xbox to sell games directly in Android app
As a result of the ruling, Google has been ordered to open up the Play Store to competition for three years, meaning no longer forcing developers to use its own Google Play Billing. The search giant will also have to distribute rival third-party app stores within Google Play.
However, taking to X (formerly Twitter), Xbox president Sarah Bond stated, “The court’s ruling to open up Google’s mobile store in the US will allow more choice and flexibility.”
“Our mission is to allow more players to play on more devices so we are thrilled to share that starting in November, players will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly from the Xbox App on Android,” Bond added.
The Xbox store purchase support directly in the Android app will integrate Xbox Cloud Gaming features, allowing users to stream games on their mobiles immediately after purchasing.
Additionally, Microsoft is also working on a browser-based Xbox mobile store that will focus on first-party mobile games from Microsoft’s various studios and will also feature deals and in-game items.
