What you need to know
- A recent U.S. court ruling will make Google stop requiring app developers to use Google Play Billing for Android mobile payments, opening up new opportunities for developers.
- Microsoft is one of the first developers to introduce new offerings to Android and the Google Play Store with this change.
- Starting in November, users will be able to buy and play Xbox games on Android, thanks to Microsoft’s new features.
Android gamers can now enjoy console-quality games on their high-end smartphones through Xbox Cloud Gaming and the Xbox Game Pass app. Following the court decision against Google’s forced billing system, Microsoft plans to bring new ways to purchase and play games on Android. Users will soon have the option to buy an Xbox game and stream it from the cloud through the Xbox app on their Android devices.
The ruling by Judge James Donato mandates that Google must allow third-party app stores to exist, distribute apps, and use their own payment systems, making Google Play Billing an optional feature for developers.
This decision will benefit other app and game marketplaces, including the upcoming Xbox app features. Xbox president Sarah Bond announced these plans in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on October 10.
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…October 10, 2024
Bond expressed excitement about the ruling, stating that it will offer more choices for players. She confirmed that users will be able to buy and play Xbox games directly through the Xbox App on Android.
While Microsoft’s rivals have already offered mobile purchases, this ruling opens the door for similar features on the Xbox app. Microsoft had allowed purchases through the Samsung Galaxy Store before, but now aims to enable the same through the Xbox app.
It remains uncertain whether Microsoft will make significant changes to the Xbox mobile app or simply add the option for mobile purchases. The company had previously mentioned the presence of an Xbox mobile store and continues to work on a web-based store.
These changes come following regulations and court decisions in the U.S. and E.U., providing more choices for Android gamers. The U.S. injunction goes into effect on November 1, and Microsoft plans to implement purchases in the Xbox app shortly after.
In a similar move, Epic Games Store was made available on iOS, iPadOS, and Android through sideloading, following regulatory pressure on Apple to open up its platforms.
With these new rules in place, Epic Games may potentially launch the Epic Games Store on the Google Play Store. The recent court decisions are significant in shaping the future of app marketplaces.
Android is open, Xbox is everywhere
The convergence of the Xbox and Android ecosystems signifies a trend towards openness. Google’s forced hand in opening up Android, alongside Microsoft’s expansion of the Xbox ecosystem, sets the stage for a more accessible gaming experience.
Despite Xbox’s recent console market challenges, Microsoft’s move towards an open-ecosystem future indicates a consumer-friendly shift. This allows players to enjoy top games from Microsoft studios on various devices, including through Xbox Cloud Gaming.
While Google may have been slower to embrace this level of openness, regulatory pressure could lead to further changes in the tech industry. Consumers stand to benefit from increased competition and choice in the app marketplace, thanks to recent legal decisions.
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