Xbox games: Buy directly via the Android app from November
Microsoft has announced that starting in November, users will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly from the Xbox app on Android. The announcement comes from Xbox President Sarah Bond, who said in a post on X:
“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 is referring to a recent court ruling in the US that required Google to restructure its Play Store. This will give third-party app stores access to the app catalog, starting November 1, 2024. The changes will initially be valid for three years and also include that Google’s own Play Billing system will no longer be a requirement as a payment method for apps and games.
This will allow Microsoft to bypass Google’s Play Billing system and avoid paying a 30% app tax to the Mountain View-based internet search giant.
It’s unclear why Microsoft can’t already sell games for the Xbox through its Android app. Steam and the Sony PlayStation Store have long made it easy to sell games on mobile devices. Regardless, Microsoft’s decision to sell Xbox games directly through the Xbox app for Android is widely welcomed. Hopefully, the court ruling against Google will open the way for more third-party app stores to sell their apps and games directly on Android devices.
