Exciting changes were on the horizon for Microsoft’s Xbox app on Android and the Google Play Store, with new features slated for release by the end of 2024. However, it seems users will now have to exercise a bit of patience and wait until next year for these updates to roll out.
Sarah Bond, the Xbox president, took to social media to explain the situation. An administrative hold ordered by U.S. courts has forced Microsoft to delay enabling Android users of the Xbox app to purchase and play games directly through this software. This update follows her earlier statement in which she promised these features would be ready in November, aligning with Google’s move to allow third-party apps in its store.
“At Xbox, our goal is to provide gamers with more options for how and where they play. This includes the ability to buy and play games straight from the Xbox app,” Bond shared on X, formerly known as Twitter. “We were intent on introducing these capabilities first through the Google Play Store on Android devices in the U.S., pending other app stores’ adaptations to consumer demand.”
She further elaborated, “A recent temporary administrative stay has pushed back our plans. We’re prepared to launch these features as soon as the court reaches a final decision. The team and I are keen to offer more choices to our players as soon as possible.”
Despite this hiccup in the timeline, Microsoft’s ambition to blend mobile gaming more seamlessly into the Xbox experience doesn’t seem far off track. Bond reassures that the delay is minor due to the temporary nature of the court order. Meanwhile, the tech giant is adapting well under the increasing regulatory pressures facing mobile store giants Google and Apple. Xbox Cloud Gaming has already made waves through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, offering a robust streaming option for mobile gamers.
Additionally, Xbox Cloud Gaming has recently enhanced its features by introducing “Stream Your Own Game.” This allows users to stream 50 titles they own even if these aren’t part of the Xbox Game Pass lineup, with more games expected to be added regularly.
In the bigger picture, Microsoft and Xbox are gearing up for a significant journey. Although the development of the long-rumored Xbox handheld is confirmed, it’s still several years from fruition. Plus, the launch of their mobile gaming store has been postponed to allow for more market research. Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, highlighted the importance of strategic marketing to draw customers, emphasizing that building a platform alone isn’t enough to attract users by itself.
When compared with competitors like NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming’s reliability may need improvement, alongside expanding Xbox Play Anywhere’s cross-progression functionality. These are clearly on Microsoft’s to-do list.
Nonetheless, as we near 2025, Microsoft’s Xbox division has a lot to look forward to. Blockbusters like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and the exclusive STALKER 2 are already making waves, while excitement builds for the upcoming release of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Even more encouraging is the steady flow of third-party titles joining the platform, with surprise entries like Death Stranding, previously a PlayStation staple.
With this momentum, Microsoft seems well-placed to capitalize on making Xbox games accessible on diverse platforms. Here’s hoping the court’s interim decision is swiftly resolved, paving the way for Microsoft’s wider ambitions to unfold.
