Microsoft is considering expanding its Xbox games store to portable devices such as smartphones and tablets after acquiring multiple game developers and studios in recent years. The company may soon bring an Xbox-branded games store to Android and iOS, taking advantage of the increasing pressure on Apple and Google to open up their platforms to third-party app stores.
According to a report from Bloomberg, Microsoft’s initiative to bring an Xbox games store to mobile devices has been in the works since its acquisition of Activision-Blizzard. Xbox head Phil Spencer confirmed that the company is actively working on this expansion and is in discussions with various partners. While some reports suggested a potential expansion to Nintendo and Sony platforms, Spencer denied those claims during an interview at CCXP in Brazil.
Spencer emphasized the importance of offering more choice for gamers and the need for Xbox to remain relevant across multiple screens. Although Google has relaxed its restrictions on Android, no major third-party app stores have emerged. However, a potential EU regulation might compel Apple to allow third-party app stores on iOS and iPadOS, paving the way for an Xbox games store on Apple devices.
Author’s Note: Samsung’s existing partnership with Microsoft could lead to the pre-installation of the Xbox games store on Galaxy smartphones and tablets. The expansion of the games store to Android could attract more AAA gaming titles to the platform, potentially appealing to a younger audience. However, the success of the service will hinge on the quality of the game collection and user experience.
