Microsoft Allowed to Buy Android Games on Xbox Store, US Court Rules

Microsoft is taking advantage of a recent US court ruling that forces Google to allow third-party app stores on Android devices. Following this ruling, which mandates Google to stop requiring Google Play Billing for apps in the Play Store starting November 1st, Microsoft plans to update its Xbox mobile app on Android, enabling US users to purchase and play Xbox games directly on their mobile devices as early as next month.

“The court's ruling to open up Google's mobile store in the US will allow more choice and flexibility,” says Xbox president Sarah Bond in a post on X. “Our mission is to allow more players to play on more devices, so we are thrilled to share that starting in November, players will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly from the Xbox App on Android.”

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Google’s Android app store monopoly has been deemed illegal, and the company has been ordered to allow alternative payment options and distribute rival third-party app stores within Google Play for the next three years. This landmark decision enables developers to sidestep Google’s billing system, expanding competition within the Play Store and potentially reshaping the mobile app market.

The upcoming Xbox app update will let Microsoft freely sell Xbox games on Android devices and integrate Xbox Cloud Gaming for immediate streaming after purchase. Microsoft’s development of a separate browser-based Xbox mobile store, initially planned for July, is also ongoing, with a focus on featuring in-game deals and first-party games from Microsoft’s studios.

Microsoft says further updates on the new Xbox store features will be shared soon, though it’s unclear why Xbox game purchases weren’t previously available on Android devices while other stores like Steam and PlayStation are accessible. Nevertheless, these changes signify a major shift in the mobile gaming landscape, giving Microsoft a strengthened foothold on Android devices.