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Microsoft has officially unveiled plans to launch its new mobile game store in July. The announcement was made by Xbox president Sarah Bond at the Bloomberg Technology Summit on Thursday.
Bond revealed that Microsoft's first-party titles, including popular games like Candy Crush and Minecraft, will be available on the store from launch. The company intends to open the platform to other publishers in the future.
“We’re going to start on the web," Bond said. “And we’re doing that because that really allows us to have it be an experience that’s accessible across all devices, all countries, no matter what, independent of the policies of closed ecosystem stores, and then we’re going to extend from there.”
Microsoft's decision to launch the store via the web positions it as a direct alternative to Apple and Google's app stores, which charge a 30% commission on sales.
This announcement follows months of discussions and hints about Microsoft's desire to create an Xbox mobile gaming store. Last December, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer mentioned ongoing negotiations with partners and indicated an imminent launch.
Microsoft's interest in the mobile gaming sector was further highlighted in 2022 when it filed an intent to acquire Activision Blizzard, citing the need to expand its mobile presence. In October 2022, Microsoft's filings with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) confirmed plans for an "Xbox Mobile Platform" featuring Activision and King mobile titles.
While the EU's Digital Marketing Act (DMA) compels Apple and Google to open their app stores, Microsoft's initiative aims to create a competitive alternative in the United States and global markets.
