Microsoft has been discussing the idea of launching an Xbox mobile gaming store for quite some time now, and it seems that the company is finally ready to make it a reality. The Xbox president, Sarah Bond, recently announced at the Bloomberg Technology Summit that the launch date for the store is set for July. This move is seen as a way for Microsoft to circumvent the strict rules imposed by Apple’s App Store.
The primary focus of the Xbox mobile gaming store will be on first-party games developed by Microsoft’s various studios. This includes popular titles like Call of Duty: Mobile and Candy Crush Saga. Bond mentioned that these games will be the initial offerings on the store but hinted that the company will eventually extend this to include games from partners as well.
Expanding the Xbox Experience
While games will obviously play a significant role in the store, Microsoft is aiming to offer more than just gaming titles. Bond highlighted the company’s vision of creating a seamless experience that transcends different devices and ecosystems. This means that users will be able to access their gaming library, identity, and rewards across all devices.
A Challenge for Microsoft
Launching a web-only mobile store comes with its own set of challenges. It is not immediately clear how Microsoft plans to position this store as a viable alternative to the existing mobile game stores offered by Apple and Google. However, Bond mentioned that Microsoft will not be confined to the web interface and that there are plans to expand beyond it in the future.
Microsoft’s decision to push ahead with the Xbox mobile gaming store despite ongoing regulatory issues in Europe and the US shows the company’s commitment to the project. The company seems determined to create a next-generation store that offers a truly cross-device experience for gamers. This move also comes shortly after Microsoft’s announcement of its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, indicating a significant shift in the company’s gaming strategy.
The launch of the Xbox mobile gaming store represents Microsoft’s ambition to create a more inclusive and accessible gaming platform for users. While the challenges ahead are evident, it is clear that Microsoft is willing to go the extra mile to make this project a success. With the promise of extending beyond the web interface and partnering with other game developers, the Xbox mobile gaming store could potentially revolutionize the way we experience games on mobile devices.
Leave a Reply