Microsoft will update its Xbox mobile app for Android to let U.S. users buy and play Xbox games directly from the app starting in November, the company said following a recent court ruling.
Court decision paves the way for direct purchases
The change follows a court order that prevents Google from requiring purchases to go through Google Play for this type of transaction beginning Nov. 1. Microsoft said the update will allow players to purchase games inside the Xbox app and then use Xbox Cloud Gaming to stream them to their devices immediately after purchase.
Microsoft highlights greater competition
Sarah Bond, president of Xbox, posted on X that the ruling will open Google Play to more competition and offer developers additional options. Microsoft did not provide further technical details beyond Bond’s statement.
How the new experience will work
- Users in the U.S. will be able to buy Xbox titles directly within the Android app once the update goes live in November.
- After purchase, players can access those games through Xbox Cloud Gaming to stream them on their Android devices.
- The court decision also requires Google to allow third-party app stores to operate alongside Google Play, increasing competition in the Android ecosystem.
Microsoft’s mobile web store and future plans
Microsoft is also building a browser-based mobile Xbox store that will initially focus on in-game items and offers. The company says it plans to add Microsoft studio games to that store in the future; testing of the web-based store has already begun and Microsoft indicated more updates will follow.
