Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has revealed that Microsoft is in discussions with partners to introduce an Xbox mobile store. Spencer mentioned this during an interview at the CCXP comics and entertainment convention in Brazil on Thursday, as reported by Bloomberg. He indicated that the launch could happen sooner rather than later, possibly within the next year.
Spencer stated, “It’s an important part of our strategy and something we are actively working on today not only alone, but talking to other partners who’d also like to see more choice for how they can monetize on the phone.” He emphasized that he believes the launch is imminent rather than several years away.
The revelation of these plans coincides with Microsoft’s recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard. It’s worth noting that Activision Blizzard had previously expressed intentions to launch its own app store on Android.
In its previous filings, Microsoft has indicated that its acquisition of Activision Blizzard was driven in part by a desire to expand its presence in mobile gaming, leveraging popular titles such as Candy Crush and Call of Duty Mobile. The plan includes the establishment of a new “Xbox Mobile Platform” featuring mobile games by Activision and King.
Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, which was finalized in October, likely contributed to the delay in its mobile store launch plans.
Spencer underscored the importance of offering choice, stating, “Today on your mobile phones, you don’t have choice. To make sure that Xbox is not only relevant today but for the next 10, 20 years, we’re going to have to be strong across many screens.”
The timing of Microsoft’s entry into mobile stores coincides with a challenging regulatory landscape, particularly as Apple and Epic Games continue their legal battles. While Apple emerged victorious in its legal dispute with Epic in April, Epic Games has sought the Supreme Court’s intervention to review the case and assess whether Apple’s software business violates federal antitrust laws.
Furthermore, Apple has filed a legal case against the European Commission’s Digital Markets Act, which could potentially compel Apple to open its app store ecosystem.
