Google faces a significant challenge: opening the Google Play Store to competition for three years. This would allow companies like Epic Games to distribute their app stores within Google’s official store without using Google Play’s billing system. Microsoft is among the companies poised to capitalize on this opportunity, but an unexpected delay has put its plans on hold.
Context. In early October, District Judge James Donato, presiding over the Epic vs. Google case, ruled that Google must open its app store to third parties. At the time, Xbox President Sarah Bond said the decision would enable gamers to “play and purchase Xbox games directly from the Xbox App on Android.” So, why hasn’t Microsoft already implemented this? It’s complicated.
Buy and play. The PlayStation and Steam apps already allow users to buy games without relying on Google’s billing system. But Microsoft’s ambitions go further: It wants users to not only buy games but also play them directly. What’s required to play Xbox games on an Android smartphone? Xbox Cloud Gaming. What’s needed to access Xbox Cloud Gaming? A Game Pass Ultimate subscription. And currently, subscriptions on Android must go through Google’s billing system. Judge Donato’s decision could change this, which explains its significance.
Appeal. Google has appealed the decision, requesting a suspension of the requirement, arguing that it “threatens Google Play’s ability to provide a safe and trusted user experience.” In a statement, Google outlined its concerns:
“Forcing Google to distribute third-party app stores within Google Play harms safety and privacy.”
“Handing hundreds of third-party Android app stores access to Google Play’s app catalog reduces developers’ control over app distribution and puts users at risk.”
“Linking out from within an app on Google Play to external app downloads is dangerous.”
“Removing Play billing as an option reduces important protections and features users rely on.”
“Rushing the implementation of remedies will raise risks to users, developers, and device makers.”
Microsoft is standing by. This delay affects the launch of Xbox’s video game purchase and play feature. “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,” Bond said on Bluesky. For now, the feature remains in limbo.
Google’s defense. Responding to Bond’s comments, Google stated: “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, is 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.”
Gamers will have to wait for the outcome, but Judge Donato’s decision has the potential to reshape the mobile gaming and app ecosystem entirely.
Everything is a console. Microsoft’s efforts align with its broader mission: to turn every screen-equipped device into a gaming console. With its focus on the cloud and digital infrastructure, Xbox has moved away from traditional physical formats. The ability to buy and launch games on mobile is just one step in this direction. Recently, Xbox also announced the capability to run games in the cloud that aren’t included in Game Pass, further cementing its vision for the future of gaming.
Image | Pasqualino Capobianco (Unsplash)
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