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Microsoft says it built an Xbox game store on Android but can’t launch it - The Verge
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type="application/ld+json">{"@context":"http://schema.org/","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Microsoft says it built an Xbox game store on Android but can’t launch it","description":"Microsoft’s Xbox store on Android is ‘ready to go live’ once a court ruling forcing Google to open the Play Store to competition takes effect.","datePublished":"2024-11-27T23:49:31.430Z","dateModified":"2024-11-27T23:49:31.430Z","thumbnailUrl":"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5Qsw2E9EvwaBxIrX7X7rMlR9ETc=/0x0:2040x1334/1400x788/filters:focal(1020x667:1021x668)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25290355/STK048_XBOX_A.jpg","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Richard Lawler","url":"https://www.theverge.com/authors/richard-lawler"}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"The 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few weeks ago, Microsoft exec Sarah Bond said that in November, “players will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly from the Xbox App on Android.” It’s almost December and the feature still isn’t live, but Bond says it’s not Microsoft’s fault. \n\nThe problem, as she puts it, is that Microsoft would only be able to do it once a court order takes effect that forces sweeping changes for Google’s Play Store on Android, like opening it up to competition and ending the requirement for apps to use Google Play Billing. \n\n[Media: https://bsky.app/profile/bondsarahbond.bsky.social/post/3lbxhvggma32k]\n\nOn October 18th, Judge James Donato granted Google’s request for a stay while it appeals his ruling that the Android app store is an illegal monopoly, which could leave things hanging in the balance for quite a while. Bond referenced that in a thread on Bluesky today, writing, “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.”\n\nAfter this article was published, Google spokesperson Dan Jackson responded with the same statement the company had issued several weeks ago:\n\n> Microsoft has always been able to offer their Android users the ability to play and purchase Xbox games directly from their app – they’ve simply chosen not to. The Court’s order, and rush to force its implementation, threaten Google Play’s ability to provide a safe and secure experience. Microsoft, like Epic, are ignoring these very real security concerns. We remain focused on supporting an ecosystem that works for everyone, not just two of the largest game companies.\n\nMicrosoft has been planning its mobile app store strategy for years. However, as frustrating as it is for gamers, the company still hasn’t explicitly said what about the situation prevents it from offering Xbox game purchases like Steam and PlayStation already do, to go with its integrated Xbox Cloud Gaming features. We also don’t have an update on the status of its browser-based mobile store, which still shows a “coming soon” sign, just like it did in August.\n\nUpdate, November 27th: Added Google statement.\n"}</script><link rel="preload" as="image" imageSrcSet="https://duet-cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0x0:2040x1334/16x11/filters:focal(1020x667:1021x668):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25290355/STK048_XBOX_A.jpg 16w, https://duet-cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0x0:2040x1334/32x21/filters:focal(1020x667:1021x668):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25290355/STK048_XBOX_A.jpg 32w, https://duet-cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0x0:2040x1334/48x32/filters:focal(1020x667:1021x668):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25290355/STK048_XBOX_A.jpg 48w, https://duet-cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0x0:2040x1334/64x43/filters:focal(1020x667:1021x668):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25290355/STK048_XBOX_A.jpg 64w, 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However, the company isn’t specific about what’s holding it back.</h2></span></div><div><div class="mb-16 w-[200px] border-t border-gray-bd lg:hidden"></div><div class="mb-2 text-blurple [&>p>span:first-child]:text-gray-13 [&_.duet--article-byline-and]:text-gray-13"><p class="duet--article--article-byline max-w-[550px] font-polysans text-12 leading-120"><span>By</span> <span><span class="duet--article-byline-and"></span> <span class="font-medium"><a class="hover:shadow-underline-inherit" href="/authors/richard-lawler">Richard Lawler</a></span><span class="text-gray-13">, <span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">a senior editor following news across tech, culture, policy, and entertainment. He joined The Verge in 2021 after several years covering news at Engadget. </span></span></span></p></div><div class="duet--article--date-and-comments mb-20 inline-block font-polysans text-12 text-gray-5a"><time dateTime="2024-11-27T23:49:31.430Z" class="duet--article--timestamp font-polysans text-12"> <!-- -->Nov 27, 2024, 11:49 PM UTC</time></div><div class="mb-24 flex lg:mb-0 lg:mb-28"><div class="flex"><div><h2 class="sr-only">Share this story</h2><ul class="duet--article--share-buttons flex leading-[0]"><li class="mr-8"><div class="relative flex items-center"><button aria-label="Copy link" class="rounded-full bg-transparent transition shadow-border-gray-d3 hover:bg-blurple hover:shadow-border-blurple"><svg width="30" height="30" class="transition fill-blurple hover:fill-white" viewBox="0 0 30 30" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M13.7876 20.18C12.6943 21.2733 10.9133 21.2733 9.81998 20.18C8.72669 19.0867 8.72666 17.3056 9.81998 16.2123L12.0243 14.0081C13.1176 12.9147 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https://duet-cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0x0:2040x1334/2400x1600/filters:focal(1020x667:1021x668):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25290355/STK048_XBOX_A.jpg 2400w" src="https://duet-cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0x0:2040x1334/2400x1600/filters:focal(1020x667:1021x668):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25290355/STK048_XBOX_A.jpg" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover"/></span><div class="duet--media--caption pt-6 font-polysans-mono text-12 font-light leading-130 tracking-1"> <cite class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup inline not-italic text-gray-63 dark:text-gray-bd [&>a:hover]:text-gray-63 [&>a:hover]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a:hover]:text-gray-bd dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-underline-gray [&>a]:shadow-underline-gray-63 dark:[&>a]:text-gray-bd dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-gray">The Verge</cite></div></figure></div></div></div></div><div class="relative md:mx-auto md:flex md:max-w-container-md lg:max-w-none"><div class="duet--article--article-body-component-container clearfix sm:ml-auto md:ml-100 md:max-w-article-body lg:mx-100"><div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph mb-20 font-fkroman text-18 leading-160 -tracking-1 selection:bg-franklin-20 dark:text-white dark:selection:bg-blurple [&_a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&_a:hover]:shadow-highlight-blurple [&_a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&_a]:shadow-underline-white">A few weeks ago, <a href="/2024/10/10/24267339/microsoft-xbox-android-purchase-games-us-court-ruling">Microsoft exec Sarah Bond said</a> that in November, “players will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly from the Xbox App on Android.” It’s almost December and the feature still isn’t live, but Bond says it’s not Microsoft’s fault. </p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph mb-20 font-fkroman text-18 leading-160 -tracking-1 selection:bg-franklin-20 dark:text-white dark:selection:bg-blurple [&_a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&_a:hover]:shadow-highlight-blurple [&_a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&_a]:shadow-underline-white">The problem, as she puts it, is that Microsoft would only be able to do it once a court order takes effect that <a href="/policy/2024/10/7/24243316/epic-google-permanent-injunction-ruling-third-party-stores">forces sweeping changes for Google’s Play Store on Android</a>, like opening it up to competition and ending the requirement for apps to use Google Play Billing. </p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component clear-both block"><div class="duet--media--embed min-h-[100px] mb-20 w-full"></div></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component clear-both block md:float-left md:mr-30 md:w-[320px] lg:-ml-100"><div class="duet--recirculation--related-list mb-40"><h3 class="mb-16 font-polysans-mono text-14 font-medium leading-120 -tracking-1 text-blurple after:pl-8 after:content-['/']">Related</h3><ul class="list-disc pl-18 font-polysans text-16 font-medium leading-110 marker:text-franklin"><li class="mb-16 pl-12"><a class="hover:shadow-underline-black" href="/23945184/epic-v-google-fortnite-play-store-antitrust-trial-updates">Epic v. Google: everything we learned in Fortnite court</a></li></ul></div></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph mb-20 font-fkroman text-18 leading-160 -tracking-1 selection:bg-franklin-20 dark:text-white dark:selection:bg-blurple [&_a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&_a:hover]:shadow-highlight-blurple [&_a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&_a]:shadow-underline-white">On October 18th, Judge James Donato granted Google’s <a href="/2024/10/16/24272291/google-play-changes-epic-ruling-9th-circuit-court-of-appeals">request</a> for a stay while <a href="/2024/11/28/24308122/google-appeals-epics-antitrust-win">it appeals his ruling</a> that the Android app store is an illegal monopoly, which could leave things hanging in the balance for quite a while. Bond referenced that <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/bondsarahbond.bsky.social/post/3lbxhvggma32k">in a thread on Bluesky today</a>, writing, “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.”</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph mb-20 font-fkroman text-18 leading-160 -tracking-1 selection:bg-franklin-20 dark:text-white dark:selection:bg-blurple [&_a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&_a:hover]:shadow-highlight-blurple [&_a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&_a]:shadow-underline-white">After this article was published, Google spokesperson Dan Jackson responded with the same statement the company had issued several weeks ago:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><blockquote class="duet--article--blockquote jzbdts2"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup jzbdtsa jzbdts0">Microsoft has always been able to offer their Android users the ability to play and purchase Xbox games directly from their app – they’ve simply chosen not to. The Court’s order, and rush to force its implementation, threaten Google Play’s ability to provide a safe and secure experience. Microsoft, like Epic, are ignoring these very real security concerns. We remain focused on supporting an ecosystem that works for everyone, not just two of the largest game companies.</p></blockquote></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph mb-20 font-fkroman text-18 leading-160 -tracking-1 selection:bg-franklin-20 dark:text-white dark:selection:bg-blurple [&_a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&_a:hover]:shadow-highlight-blurple [&_a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&_a]:shadow-underline-white">Microsoft <a href="/2022/10/19/23411972/microsoft-xbox-mobile-store-games">has been planning</a> its mobile app store strategy for <a href="/2023/12/1/23983862/xbox-says-its-still-looking-to-launch-its-own-mobile-game-store">years</a>. However, as frustrating as it is for gamers, the company still hasn’t explicitly said what about the situation prevents it from offering Xbox game purchases like Steam and PlayStation already do, to go with its integrated Xbox Cloud Gaming features. We also don’t have an update on the status of its <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=1025X1701640&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.xbox.com%2Fen-US%2Fmobilestore">browser-based mobile store</a>, which s<a href="/2024/8/2/24211805/where-is-the-xbox-mobile-store">till shows a “coming soon” sign</a>, just like it did in August.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph mb-20 font-fkroman text-18 leading-160 -tracking-1 selection:bg-franklin-20 dark:text-white dark:selection:bg-blurple [&_a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&_a:hover]:shadow-highlight-blurple [&_a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&_a]:shadow-underline-white"><em><strong>Update, November 27th: </strong>Added Google statement.</em></p></div></div><div class="mb-40 mt-30"><button class="duet--article--comments-button group inline-flex h-40 w-full items-center justify-center rounded-[2px] border-[1px] border-solid 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class="leading-120 text-blurple"><a class="text-black hover:text-blurple" href="/2024/11/28/24307906/craft-3-notes-tasks-calendar-app-mac-iphone-windows"><h2 class="mb-4 inline w-[181px] font-polysans text-16 font-bold tracking-1">Craft 3 is shockingly close to my ideal productivity app</h2></a><hr class="-mx-28 my-20 w-[calc(50%+14px)] border text-black/0 border-b-blurple"/></li><li class="leading-120 text-blurple"><a class="text-black hover:text-blurple" href="/2024/11/27/24307713/steam-deck-lcd-512gb-deal-autumn-sale"><h2 class="mb-4 inline w-[181px] font-polysans text-16 font-bold tracking-1">The discontinued Steam Deck LCD is on sale</h2></a><hr class="-mx-28 my-20 w-[calc(50%+14px)] border text-black/0 border-b-blurple"/></li><li class="leading-120 text-blurple"><a class="text-black hover:text-blurple" href="/24306534/black-friday-2024-streaming-best-deals-max-hulu-peacock-paramount-plus-cyber-monday"><h2 class="mb-4 inline w-[181px] font-polysans text-16 font-bold 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Lawler","authorProfile":{"url":"https://www.theverge.com/authors/richard-lawler","shortBio":"a senior editor following news across tech, culture, policy, and entertainment. He joined The Verge in 2021 after several years covering news at Engadget. ","uid":"AuthorProfile:30256"}},"uuid":"34bb554e-2bcc-4f1f-aebd-fa2f17cb189d","type":"STORY","community":{"_id":372,"domain":"theverge.com","network":{"domain":"theverge.com"},"placeholderImageUrl":"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/network/placeholder_image/2/The_Verge.644.jpg","slug":"verge","name":"The Verge","googleAmpLogo":{"url":"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24015294/verge_duet_google_news.png","width":250,"height":50},"communityID":372},"title":"Microsoft says it built an Xbox game store on Android but can’t launch it","seoHeadline":null,"socialHeadline":null,"promoHeadline":null,"legacyId":24071908,"hasAffiliateLinks":true,"publishDate":"2024-11-27T23:49:31.430Z","originalPublishDate":"2024-11-27T23:49:31.430Z","wordCount":364,"streams":null,"contributors":[],"primaryCampaignGroup":null,"campaignGroups":[],"primaryCommunityGroup":{"slug":"front-page","parentEntryGroup":null,"name":"Front Page","isInternal":false},"primaryPackageGroup":null,"__isEntryRevision":"Entry","body":{"components":[{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"PCboyw","alignment":null},"__isEntryBodyComponent":"EntryBodyParagraph","contents":{"html":"A few weeks ago, \u003ca href=\"https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/10/24267339/microsoft-xbox-android-purchase-games-us-court-ruling\"\u003eMicrosoft exec Sarah Bond said\u003c/a\u003e that in November, “players will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly from the Xbox App on Android.” It’s almost December and the feature still isn’t live, but Bond says it’s not Microsoft’s fault. "},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false},{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"maGevg","alignment":null},"__isEntryBodyComponent":"EntryBodyParagraph","contents":{"html":"The problem, as she puts it, is that Microsoft would only be able to do it once a court order takes effect that \u003ca href=\"https://www.theverge.com/policy/2024/10/7/24243316/epic-google-permanent-injunction-ruling-third-party-stores\"\u003eforces sweeping changes for Google’s Play Store on Android\u003c/a\u003e, like opening it up to competition and ending the requirement for apps to use Google Play Billing. "},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false},{"__typename":"EntryBodyEmbed","placement":{"id":"REaSGA","alignment":null},"__isEntryBodyComponent":"EntryBodyEmbed","embed":{"embedHtml":"\u003cblockquote class=\"bluesky-embed\" data-bluesky-uri=\"at://did:plc:x6j72hgnlbaj2lcky6ohr2rc/app.bsky.feed.post/3lbxhvggma32k\" data-bluesky-cid=\"bafyreif7vf6ooaneyd2x2omdbxzfeguhtmwb7eqf47cxhfdzne7rtl5u4m\"\u003e\u003cp lang=\"en\"\u003e3/4: 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.\u003c/p\u003e\u0026mdash; \u003ca href=\"https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:x6j72hgnlbaj2lcky6ohr2rc?ref_src=embed\"\u003eBondSarahBond (@bondsarahbond.bsky.social)\u003c/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:x6j72hgnlbaj2lcky6ohr2rc/post/3lbxhvggma32k?ref_src=embed\"\u003e2024-11-27T21:15:23.695Z\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/blockquote\u003e\u003cscript async src=\"https://embed.bsky.app/static/embed.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c/script\u003e","provider":{"name":"Bluesky Social"}}},{"__typename":"EntryBodyRelatedList","placement":{"id":"sbJ9at","alignment":"HANG_LEFT"},"__isEntryBodyComponent":"EntryBodyRelatedList","items":[{"title":"Epic v. Google: everything we learned in Fortnite court","url":"https://www.theverge.com/23945184/epic-v-google-fortnite-play-store-antitrust-trial-updates"}]},{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"RcwpFL","alignment":null},"__isEntryBodyComponent":"EntryBodyParagraph","contents":{"html":"On October 18th, Judge James Donato granted Google’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/16/24272291/google-play-changes-epic-ruling-9th-circuit-court-of-appeals\"\u003erequest\u003c/a\u003e for a stay while \u003ca href=\"https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/28/24308122/google-appeals-epics-antitrust-win\"\u003eit appeals his ruling\u003c/a\u003e that the Android app store is an illegal monopoly, which could leave things hanging in the balance for quite a while. Bond referenced that \u003ca href=\"https://bsky.app/profile/bondsarahbond.bsky.social/post/3lbxhvggma32k\"\u003ein a thread on Bluesky today\u003c/a\u003e, writing, “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.”"},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false},{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"sB2FPx","alignment":null},"__isEntryBodyComponent":"EntryBodyParagraph","contents":{"html":"After this article was published, Google spokesperson Dan Jackson responded with the same statement the company had issued several weeks ago:"},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false},{"__typename":"EntryBodyBlockquote","placement":{"id":null,"alignment":null},"__isEntryBodyComponent":"EntryBodyBlockquote","paragraphs":[{"placement":{"id":"XaguDc"},"contents":{"html":"Microsoft has always been able to offer their Android users the ability to play and purchase Xbox games directly from their app – they’ve simply chosen not to. The Court’s order, and rush to force its implementation, threaten Google Play’s ability to provide a safe and secure experience. Microsoft, like Epic, are ignoring these very real security concerns. We remain focused on supporting an ecosystem that works for everyone, not just two of the largest game companies."}}]},{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"VSTS5V","alignment":null},"__isEntryBodyComponent":"EntryBodyParagraph","contents":{"html":"Microsoft \u003ca href=\"https://www.theverge.com/2022/10/19/23411972/microsoft-xbox-mobile-store-games\"\u003ehas been planning\u003c/a\u003e its mobile app store strategy for \u003ca href=\"https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/1/23983862/xbox-says-its-still-looking-to-launch-its-own-mobile-game-store\"\u003eyears\u003c/a\u003e. However, as frustrating as it is for gamers, the company still hasn’t explicitly said what about the situation prevents it from offering Xbox game purchases like Steam and PlayStation already do, to go with its integrated Xbox Cloud Gaming features. We also don’t have an update on the status of its \u003ca href=\"https://go.skimresources.com/?id=1025X1701640\u0026xs=1\u0026url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.xbox.com%2Fen-US%2Fmobilestore\"\u003ebrowser-based mobile store\u003c/a\u003e, which s\u003ca href=\"https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/2/24211805/where-is-the-xbox-mobile-store\"\u003etill shows a “coming soon” sign\u003c/a\u003e, just like it did in August."},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false},{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"JDYIJk","alignment":null},"__isEntryBodyComponent":"EntryBodyParagraph","contents":{"html":"\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUpdate, November 27th: \u003c/strong\u003eAdded Google statement.\u003c/em\u003e"},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false}]},"liveCoverageStart":null,"slug":"2024/11/27/24307867/microsoft-google-xbox-game-store-android-purchase-games","layoutTemplate":"STANDARD","seoSchema":[{"@context":"http://schema.org/","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Microsoft says it built an Xbox game store on Android but can’t launch it","description":"Microsoft’s Xbox store on Android is ‘ready to go live’ once a court ruling forcing Google to open the Play Store to competition takes effect.","datePublished":"2024-11-27T23:49:31.430Z","dateModified":"2024-11-27T23:49:31.430Z","thumbnailUrl":"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5Qsw2E9EvwaBxIrX7X7rMlR9ETc=/0x0:2040x1334/1400x788/filters:focal(1020x667:1021x668)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25290355/STK048_XBOX_A.jpg","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Richard Lawler","url":"https://www.theverge.com/authors/richard-lawler"}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"The Verge","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24015294/verge_duet_google_news.png","width":250,"height":50}},"image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5Qsw2E9EvwaBxIrX7X7rMlR9ETc=/0x0:2040x1334/1400x788/filters:focal(1020x667:1021x668)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25290355/STK048_XBOX_A.jpg","width":1400,"height":788},{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mbl3ogzs7RtSH85L8_53C46kMWU=/0x0:2040x1334/1400x1050/filters:focal(1020x667:1021x668)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25290355/STK048_XBOX_A.jpg","width":1400,"height":1050},{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0Nqw4kAZgLJY6_qA7EWV5IITItA=/0x0:2040x1334/1400x1400/filters:focal(1020x667:1021x668)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25290355/STK048_XBOX_A.jpg","width":1400,"height":1400}],"url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/27/24307867/microsoft-google-xbox-game-store-android-purchase-games","articleBody":"A few weeks ago, Microsoft exec Sarah Bond said that in November, “players will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly from the Xbox App on Android.” It’s almost December and the feature still isn’t live, but Bond says it’s not Microsoft’s fault. \n\nThe problem, as she puts it, is that Microsoft would only be able to do it once a court order takes effect that forces sweeping changes for Google’s Play Store on Android, like opening it up to competition and ending the requirement for apps to use Google Play Billing. \n\n[Media: https://bsky.app/profile/bondsarahbond.bsky.social/post/3lbxhvggma32k]\n\nOn October 18th, Judge James Donato granted Google’s request for a stay while it appeals his ruling that the Android app store is an illegal monopoly, which could leave things hanging in the balance for quite a while. Bond referenced that in a thread on Bluesky today, writing, “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.”\n\nAfter this article was published, Google spokesperson Dan Jackson responded with the same statement the company had issued several weeks ago:\n\n\u003e Microsoft has always been able to offer their Android users the ability to play and purchase Xbox games directly from their app – they’ve simply chosen not to. The Court’s order, and rush to force its implementation, threaten Google Play’s ability to provide a safe and secure experience. Microsoft, like Epic, are ignoring these very real security concerns. We remain focused on supporting an ecosystem that works for everyone, not just two of the largest game companies.\n\nMicrosoft has been planning its mobile app store strategy for years. However, as frustrating as it is for gamers, the company still hasn’t explicitly said what about the situation prevents it from offering Xbox game purchases like Steam and PlayStation already do, to go with its integrated Xbox Cloud Gaming features. We also don’t have an update on the status of its browser-based mobile store, which still shows a “coming soon” sign, just like it did in August.\n\nUpdate, November 27th: Added Google statement.\n"}],"package":null,"url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/27/24307867/microsoft-google-xbox-game-store-android-purchase-games","commentsClosed":false,"railComponents":[{"__typename":"EntryRailNewsletter","entryRailNewsletter":{"name":"Verge Deals","slug":"deals"}}],"dek":{"plaintext":"The ability to sell games in its Xbox app on Android is ‘ready to go live’ according to Microsoft. However, the company isn’t specific about what’s holding it back."},"leadImage":{"defaultImageUrl":"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CcnrYQY5yThEzMiXF3n91ZB5j1A=/0x0:2040x1334/1200x628/filters:focal(1020x667:1021x668)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25290355/STK048_XBOX_A.jpg","asset":{"title":"Vector illustration of the Xbox logo.","contentType":"image/jpeg"}},"seoDescription":{"plaintext":"Microsoft’s Xbox store on Android is ‘ready to go live’ once a court ruling forcing Google to open the Play Store to competition takes effect."},"socialDescription":{"plaintext":"The technology exists — but we’re still waiting."},"socialImage":null,"shouldUseHTMLNoindex":false,"shouldUseHTMLNofollow":false,"password":null,"additionalContributors":null,"_id":24071908,"leadComponent":{"__typename":"EntryLeadImage","standard":{"hideCredit":false,"asset":{"title":"Vector illustration of the Xbox logo."},"caption":null,"credit":{"html":"The Verge"},"variantUrl":"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jXBMwzJpmVsGDltjWSTThDs7a20=/0x0:2040x1334/2000x1333/filters:focal(1020x667:1021x668)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25290355/STK048_XBOX_A.jpg"}},"liveCoverageEnd":null,"seoArticleBody":"A few weeks ago, Microsoft exec Sarah Bond said that in November, “players will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly from the Xbox App on Android.” It’s almost December and the feature still isn’t live, but Bond says it’s not Microsoft’s fault. \n\nThe problem, as she puts it, is that Microsoft would only be able to do it once a court order takes effect that forces sweeping changes for Google’s Play Store on Android, like opening it up to competition and ending the requirement for apps to use Google Play Billing. \n\n[Media: https://bsky.app/profile/bondsarahbond.bsky.social/post/3lbxhvggma32k]\n\nOn October 18th, Judge James Donato granted Google’s request for a stay while it appeals his ruling that the Android app store is an illegal monopoly, which could leave things hanging in the balance for quite a while. Bond referenced that in a thread on Bluesky today, writing, “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.”\n\nAfter this article was published, Google spokesperson Dan Jackson responded with the same statement the company had issued several weeks ago:\n\n\u003e Microsoft has always been able to offer their Android users the ability to play and purchase Xbox games directly from their app – they’ve simply chosen not to. The Court’s order, and rush to force its implementation, threaten Google Play’s ability to provide a safe and secure experience. Microsoft, like Epic, are ignoring these very real security concerns. We remain focused on supporting an ecosystem that works for everyone, not just two of the largest game companies.\n\nMicrosoft has been planning its mobile app store strategy for years. However, as frustrating as it is for gamers, the company still hasn’t explicitly said what about the situation prevents it from offering Xbox game purchases like Steam and PlayStation already do, to go with its integrated Xbox Cloud Gaming features. We also don’t have an update on the status of its browser-based mobile store, which still shows a “coming soon” sign, just like it did in August.\n\nUpdate, November 27th: Added Google statement.\n","stream":null,"visibleNetworkIds":[],"scheduledForExpirationAt":null}}}]},"uid":"Entry:34bb554e-2bcc-4f1f-aebd-fa2f17cb189d","mostPopular":[{"author":{"fullName":"Mia Sato"},"publishDate":"2024-11-26T14:32:50","title":"Bad influence","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/26/24303161/amazon-influencers-lawsuit-copyright-clean-aesthetic-girl-sydney-nicole-gifford-alyssa-sheil","uid":"0"},{"author":{"fullName":"David Pierce"},"publishDate":"2024-11-28T13:00:00","title":"Craft 3 is shockingly close to my ideal productivity app","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/28/24307906/craft-3-notes-tasks-calendar-app-mac-iphone-windows","uid":"1"},{"author":{"fullName":"Wes Davis"},"publishDate":"2024-11-27T23:01:30","title":"The discontinued Steam Deck LCD is on sale","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/27/24307713/steam-deck-lcd-512gb-deal-autumn-sale","uid":"2"},{"author":{"fullName":"Sheena Vasani"},"publishDate":"2024-11-27T00:03:09","title":"Max, Hulu, and Paramount Plus are all heavily discounted for Black Friday","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24306534/black-friday-2024-streaming-best-deals-max-hulu-peacock-paramount-plus-cyber-monday","uid":"3"},{"author":{"fullName":"Richard Lawler"},"publishDate":"2024-11-27T23:49:31","title":"Microsoft says it built an Xbox game store on Android but can’t launch it","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/27/24307867/microsoft-google-xbox-game-store-android-purchase-games","uid":"4"}],"navProps":{"campaignGroup":null,"stickyNav":true,"logoColor":"franklin","lightText":false},"_sentryTraceData":"ac66cc43307a470a8dcaa5669e5c73ce-80c6357e4a88afa4-0","_sentryBaggage":"sentry-environment=production,sentry-release=eRiIIZjNhI1r-REYnWsjp,sentry-public_key=6547365f9d98454ba8daa58e42013d33,sentry-trace_id=ac66cc43307a470a8dcaa5669e5c73ce"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/entry/standard/[uid]","query":{"uid":"Entry:34bb554e-2bcc-4f1f-aebd-fa2f17cb189d"},"buildId":"eRiIIZjNhI1r-REYnWsjp","isFallback":false,"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[{"src":"https://theverge.coral.coralproject.net/assets/js/count.js?v=0","strategy":"lazyOnload","className":"coral-script","defer":true}]}</script></body></html>