Android users are about to experience a revolution in the way they purchase and play Xbox games. Starting in November, you can buy them directly from the official Xbox app on Android, without having to resort to traditional Google Play payment methods. This news has caused a huge stir in the gaming community, and with good reason. This change is due to a court ruling in the United States. which has forced Google to stop requiring in-app payments to be made through the Google Play payment system. Xbox president Sarah Bond announced it via her X profile (formerly Twitter), confirming that this new system will be operational from November.
A new era in buying Xbox games from Android
Until now, Xbox players who wanted to buy games from their Android devices had to do so from the console or through Google's system, with all the limitations and fees that this entailed. The new feature will allow users to purchase titles directly from the Xbox app, without having to leave the app or use Google payment methods, which will improve the shopping experience and open up new possibilities for developers.
This change has been made possible by a court ruling that has shaken the technological landscape in the North American country. Google has been forced to open its app store to other payment methods, which has benefited platforms like Xbox, which have seen an opportunity to improve their services for Android device users.
A judicial decision that sets the course
The court ruling, which was issued by a US court, ends the mandatory use of Google Play Billing as the only method of in-app transactions. This, in addition to giving users more flexibility when making purchases, will allow companies like Microsoft to take advantage of the infrastructure they already have on other platforms. As a result, the Xbox app for Android will take center stage, allowing users to purchase and play games directly from their mobile devices (hopefully with the ability to redeem download codes as well).
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 excited to share that starting in November, players will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly…
— BondSarahBond (@BondSarah_Bond) October 10, 2024
However, This new feature will initially only be available in the United States., the country where the court ruling was issued. However, Microsoft has already announced that they hope to expand this feature to other countries, including Spain, in the coming months, so there is hope.
Microsoft's strategy and its browser-based game store
In addition to this update to the app, Microsoft is also working on a web-based mobile game store. While this store should have been operational in July, it has suffered some delays. However, Microsoft's plans are still on track and it won't be long before users can enjoy this new platform, so we may not have to wait too long until the new store is available.
The launch of this online store is part of a broader strategy Microsoft's plan to make Xbox games accessible from any mobile device without relying on traditional app stores like Google Play or the Apple Store. This way, Xbox gamers will have the ability to access all their favorite titles from Android devices, iPhones, or even web browsers, taking their gaming experience to every possible corner. Or as its famous saying goes claim, «Play Anywhere».
A welcome solution
The gaming community has received this news with very good eyes. For many, the fact that Microsoft Unify game purchasing and streaming in one app This is a huge benefit. Until now, players had to use different apps for purchasing games, managing profiles, and accessing Xbox Cloud Gaming. This update puts an end to the dispersion of apps and improves usability for all users. Additionally, the opening of Google Play to third-party stores also seems to indicate that other developers will follow Xbox's lead and offer direct purchase systems in their Android apps, which will likely radically change the app market.
Ultimately, The Xbox app for Android is about to become an essential tool for gamers, especially those using Google’s operating system. With the ability to purchase and play Xbox titles on the go, coupled with the upcoming mobile game store, Microsoft is making a strong entrance into the mobile gaming space.