Xbox App on Android to Enable Direct Game Purchases in Nov.
Microsoft is set to overhaul its mobile experience by allowing users to purchase and play Xbox titles directly through its Android application. The shift, scheduled for November, arrives immediately after a federal judge mandated that Google dismantle its long-standing requirement for developers to utilize the Google Play billing system.
Sarah Bond, President of Xbox, confirmed the update via social media, framing the move as a step toward increasing player flexibility. By bypassing the Google Play billing infrastructure, Microsoft will no longer be obligated to share a portion of its in-app purchase revenue with Google.
Impact of the Epic vs. Google Ruling
The strategic change is a direct result of Judge James Donato’s final ruling in the legal battle between Epic Games and Google. The court order, issued on Monday, imposes several operational requirements on Google Play that take effect on November 1 and will remain in force for three years:
- Prohibition against forcing developers to use Google’s proprietary billing system.
- Ban on paying developers to maintain app exclusivity on the Play Store.
- Requirement to allow third-party app stores access to the Play catalog.
- Mandate to host third-party app stores within Google Play itself.
While the ruling provides a path for Microsoft to exert more control over its ecosystem, Google has stated it will appeal the decision. The tech giant argues that these court-ordered adjustments could compromise the security and competitive balance between Android and Apple’s iOS.
Status of the Xbox Mobile Store
Beyond integrating purchases into the existing app, Microsoft has been developing a standalone mobile game store. Although Bond previously indicated a launch window of July, the project remains in the testing phase.
The company’s long-term strategy for this web-based store involves hosting first-party titles—such as Minecraft and Candy Crush—before eventually opening the platform to external publishers. Currently, Microsoft has not disclosed which specific games will be available for purchase within the Android app when the update rolls out next month.