Microsoft’s ambitious plan to bring Xbox gaming directly to Android users via its mobile app has hit a snag, thanks to a legal battle brewing between Google and Epic Games. Originally slated for a November rollout, the feature allowing users to purchase and play Xbox games directly within the Xbox Android app is now indefinitely delayed. The culprit? Google’s appeal of a court ruling in the Epic v. Google case that deemed Google Play a monopoly.
The Epic Games lawsuit challenged Google’s control over the Android app ecosystem, arguing that its app store operates as an illegal monopoly. The judge’s decision, partially in favor of Epic, mandated that Google must allow third-party app stores on its platform and grant them access to all Google Play services. This ruling opened the door for Microsoft to launch its own in-app purchasing system for Xbox games on Android.
Sarah Bond, a Microsoft and Xbox executive, confirmed the delay on the social media platform Bluesky. She explained that the feature was “ready to go live,” but the court granted Google a temporary stay pending its appeal. Bond emphasized Microsoft’s commitment to providing players more choices in how and where they play, highlighting their frustration at the postponement.
“At Xbox, we want to offer players more choice on how and where they play, including being able to play and buy games directly from the Xbox app,” Bond stated. “Due to a temporary administrative stay recently granted by the courts, we are currently unable to launch these features as planned. Our team has the functionality built and ready to go live as soon as the court makes a final decision.”
However, the situation is more nuanced than a simple delay. Google argues that the court’s ruling disregards legitimate security concerns inherent in allowing unrestricted third-party app stores onto its platform. Google representative Dan Jackson, in a statement to The Verge, points out that competing Android app stores, such as those for Steam and PlayStation, already offer in-app purchases without issue. He argues that Microsoft’s focus is on circumventing Google Play’s security protocols rather than providing genuine consumer choice.
Jackson’s statement emphasizes that Microsoft’s ability to sell games on Android isn’t restricted; they’ve simply chosen not to utilize the existing app store infrastructure. He contends that Microsoft, like Epic Games, is prioritizing its own interests over the safety and security of Android users. The legal battle underscores the wider implications of the Epic v. Google case and its potential to reshape the mobile app landscape. The delay of Microsoft’s Xbox app feature serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing power struggle between tech giants and the regulatory hurdles they face.
The outcome of Google’s appeal will not only determine the future of Microsoft’s Xbox Android app but could also significantly impact the competitive dynamics of the mobile gaming market and set a precedent for future antitrust cases in the tech industry.
