Xbox hits the gas pedal with its mobile games store

What Xbox wants to launch his own mobile game store, this is nothing new. The plan was one of many that Microsoft revealed as it battles regulatory scrutiny over the purchase Activision Blizzardand apparently everything is going smoothly.

During his participation in CCXP, which takes place these days in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Phil Spencer stated that they are already working with partners who will help them launch a gaming store that will largely compete with the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Microsoft Gaming CEO reiterated that part of his strategy increase Xbox’s presence in the mobile gaming market. Something for which it was extremely important to complete the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. After all, names like candy Crush Saga, Call of Duty: Mobile version or Devil Immortal These are real ticket printing machines.

But what’s most interesting is that Xbox is being touted as the first major threat to Google and Apple’s Android and iOS stores, respectively. In Apple’s case, the story is a little more complicated due to its closed ecosystem that does not allow the installation of applications or games from unknown sources. Something, however, should change, at least in Europe with the adoption of the Digital Markets Act..

“This is an important part of our strategy, which we are actively working on today. We’re not doing this alone, but by talking to other partners who would also like to see more monetization options on mobile devices,” he said. Xbox leader about his future mobile games store.

Xbox mobile game store coming in 2024?

While Spencer doesn’t mention which partners he’s working with, it’s clear that he’s already reached out to major studios that already have a presence on PC and Xbox. However, it wouldn’t be strange if the company also reached out to mobile game creators who might be interested. Find a different distribution method for your publications.

Will Microsoft dare to disrupt the market? mobile with a more attractive revenue sharing scheme than Google and Apple? Will it need a smaller stake than its competitors to attract investors? publishers? While this is pure speculation at this point, the Redmond project is already making waves in the industry.

As for timing, Phil Spencer was cautious. However, his comments make it clear that the Xbox mobile games store may be closer than we think. At that time there were rumors that could be launched in 2024, as soon as the European Digital Markets Act comes into full force. While the executive wouldn’t confirm or deny it, he said the proposal wouldn’t be forthcoming for at least a few years.

“I don’t think it will happen in many years, I think it will happen sooner”, warned the leader of Microsoft Gaming. Without a doubt, this announcement raises great expectations among mobile gaming fans, but it also leaves some doubts unresolved. For example, what will happen to its iOS version in non-European markets. Would you try something similar to Game Pass, which can only be accessed via a web browser on Apple devices? We’ll have to wait to find out more.