Microsoft is gearing up to unveil its new Xbox mobile gaming store in July, initially launching on the web with a focus on Microsoft’s first-party games. Xbox president Sarah Bond announced the upcoming launch date at the Bloomberg Technology Summit, outlining the company’s strategy to sidestep Apple’s strict App Store regulations.
While Bond’s statement emphasized the inclusion of popular titles like Candy Crush and Minecraft in the Xbox mobile store experience, a statement provided to The Verge offers a slightly different perspective. Bond clarified that the store will debut as a web-based platform this year, offering deals on in-game items and game discovery, with plans to evolve into a comprehensive app store rooted in gaming.
Initially, the store will prioritize first-party mobile games from Microsoft’s diverse studios, including acclaimed titles such as Call of Duty: Mobile and Candy Crush Saga. However, Bond indicated that partnerships with external developers will be explored in the future.
Beyond gaming content, the Xbox mobile store aims to provide a seamless cross-device experience, allowing users to access their library, identity, and rewards across various platforms. Microsoft envisions this as a step towards offering a unified gaming ecosystem that transcends individual platforms.
While Microsoft had initially developed the store in anticipation of potential changes in mobile app store regulations, the company is forging ahead with its web-based approach regardless of regulatory developments. Although the transition to a web-only mobile store presents challenges, Microsoft hints at future expansion beyond the web, possibly positioning itself as a competitor to established mobile app stores like those offered by Google and Apple.
Sarah Bond, @Microsoft’s Xbox president, announced at #BloombergTech that the company will launch its own mobile game store in July, creating an alternative to Apple and Google’s app stores pic.twitter.com/hj6eLtsGfl
— Bloomberg Live (@BloombergLive) May 9, 2024
This initiative aligns with Microsoft’s broader vision of enabling gaming across all screens, as articulated by Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer in earlier statements. By laying the groundwork for a comprehensive gaming ecosystem, Microsoft aims to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements in the gaming industry.
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