Microsoft has been teasing the idea of an Xbox mobile gaming store for quite some time now, and finally, the company has announced that it plans to launch it in July. Xbox president Sarah Bond disclosed the launch date during the Bloomberg Technology Summit, shedding light on how Microsoft intends to circumvent Apple’s strict App Store regulations.
The upcoming Xbox mobile store will primarily concentrate on offering first-party mobile games developed by Microsoft’s various studios. Players can expect to see popular titles like Call of Duty: Mobile and Candy Crush Saga showcased on the platform. Bond mentioned that Microsoft intends to expand this library to include games from partner companies in the future.
Bond emphasized Microsoft’s vision of creating a gaming platform and store experience that seamlessly transcends across different devices. The goal is to enable users to carry their identity, library, and rewards with them regardless of the device they are using. This approach aims to break away from the limitations of closed ecosystem stores and provide gamers with a more versatile and accessible gaming experience.
While Microsoft had initially conceived the idea of the Xbox mobile store in anticipation of regulatory changes affecting mobile app stores, the company is not waiting for government mandates to take action. With a web-based mobile store set to launch, Microsoft is venturing into uncharted territory. It remains to be seen how the tech giant will position its platform as a viable alternative to established mobile app stores operated by rivals like Apple and Google.
Despite starting with a web-only mobile store, Microsoft is hinting at potential future expansions beyond the confines of the web browser. Bond’s comments suggest that the company is considering a full-fledged competitor to Google and Apple’s mobile app stores in the near future. Microsoft’s strategic move to build a next-generation store aligns with its long-term goals, as evidenced by its recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Microsoft’s announcement of the Xbox mobile gaming store launch date marks a significant shift in the gaming industry. By prioritizing first-party mobile games, focusing on creating a seamless cross-device experience, and laying the groundwork for future expansion, Microsoft is poised to revolutionize the mobile gaming landscape. As the tech giant continues to innovate and push boundaries, the future of gaming looks brighter than ever before.