Jakarta, Gizmology – Microsoft recently announced that Android users will soon be able to purchase and play Xbox games directly through the Xbox app. The move is a result of a court ruling in the US that forced Google to open up its platform to competitors. This feature will be available in November 2024 and gives players more flexibility in accessing Xbox games through their mobile devices.
This decision comes amidst growing competition in the mobile gaming industry, where Microsoft continues to expand its reach. Xbox, famous for its consoles, is now increasingly focused on delivering a broader gaming experience through its cloud platform and mobile apps. This integration is expected to make it easier for players to access their favorite games on the go.
Quoting from The Verge, reportedly this application will soon be introduced and officially launched next month, namely November. However, for now gamers will certainly get an Xbox app that can be used to buy various games. Of course, this will make it very easy for gamers to buy the latest games or follow the various discounts that Xbox often does at certain times.
While this feature does not yet allow for playing games locally on Android devices, it will most likely be accessed through Xbox’s cloud streaming service, a feature that Microsoft has been developing for the past few years.
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Legal and Technology Impact of Microsoft and Android
The court decision forcing Google to open the Play Store to competitors was the result of a legal case between Epic Games and Google. In this case, Epic Games accused Google of monopolistic practices by restricting developers from using payment methods other than Google Play. The court ruled that Google must give developers more freedom in selling their products through Android apps, triggering a major shift in the digital landscape.
Microsoft sees this decision as an opportunity to strengthen their position in the mobile gaming industry. By avoiding the 30% commission usually charged by Google, Microsoft can provide more competitive pricing to customers. This is also part of Microsoft’s long-term strategy to dominate the gaming market through cloud services.
Not only does this decision impact Microsoft and Google, but it also sends a strong message to the tech industry that excessive control over the digital ecosystem will increasingly be questioned. For users, this means more choice in how and where they buy games, as well as the possibility of new gaming platforms emerging in the future.
Influence for Android Users
For Android users, especially Xbox gamers, this update provides a significant convenience. Previously, users had to rely on the Play Store to access games or use limited payment methods. But with this change, users can directly purchase games through the Xbox app without the need to switch platforms.
In addition, this integration also allows users to better utilize the Xbox Cloud Gaming service. This service allows users to play their favorite games without the need to own a console, with just an Android device and stable internet access. This opens up opportunities for more people to enjoy quality games without the need for a huge investment in hardware.
Not only that, with more and more users turning to mobile gaming, this integration is expected to accelerate the growth of the mobile gaming ecosystem in the future. Going forward, gamers will have more choices, both in terms of the games available and how they access them.
Microsoft’s move to bring purchases and games directly into the Xbox app on Android is one of the biggest developments in mobile gaming. With the legal ruling in favor of platform openness, Microsoft now has the opportunity to compete more aggressively in this market. For users, this means more convenience and choice in enjoying their favorite games anywhere, anytime.