Calling all mobile gamers! Microsoft is shaking things up with the announcement of its very own mobile game store, set to launch in July 2024. The news comes from the Bloomberg Technology Summit, where Xbox president Sarah Bond unveiled the exciting plans.
Gamers can expect a curated selection of titles at launch, featuring Microsoft’s impressive first-party portfolio. This includes heavyweights like the ever-popular Candy Crush and the world-building phenomenon Minecraft. But that’s not all – Microsoft intends to open the doors to other publishers in the future, expanding the mobile store’s library even further.
Breaking Free from App Store Restrictions: A Web-Based Solution
Microsoft has opted for a unique approach by launching the store as a web platform, rather than a traditional app. This strategic move allows them to bypass the limitations imposed by Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store.
Those platforms are notorious for their 30% commission fee on in-app purchases, a significant chunk of change for both developers and publishers. By going web-based, Microsoft hopes to offer a more accessible platform for all, reaching gamers across various devices and regions, free from the constraints of closed ecosystems.
Microsoft’s Mobile Gaming Ambitions: A Long Game in Play
This announcement isn’t entirely unexpected. For some time now, Microsoft has hinted at its desire to establish a foothold in the mobile gaming market. Last December, Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, sparked discussions about an Xbox mobile store launch, suggesting its imminent arrival.
Microsoft’s 2022 acquisition of Activision Blizzard further solidified these intentions. Filings from the deal revealed a key motive: to bolster Microsoft’s mobile gaming presence. Further evidence emerged in October 2022, when Microsoft’s filings hinted at the creation of a dedicated “Xbox Mobile Platform” featuring mobile titles from Activision and King.com.
Beyond the EU’s DMA: A Global Alternative
While the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) compels tech giants like Apple and Google to loosen their grip on their app stores, Microsoft’s move aims to provide a broader, global alternative. This could potentially reshape the mobile gaming landscape, offering gamers more options and potentially influencing pricing structures across the board.
The Future of Mobile Gaming: A New Player Enters the Arena
Microsoft’s entry into the mobile game store arena promises to be a game-changer. Only time will tell how it will impact established players like Apple and Google. One thing’s for sure: mobile gamers have a reason to rejoice, with a potentially wider selection of titles and potentially more favorable pricing on the horizon.