Ever wished you could play Xbox games from your phone—without needing a console? Well, get excited. Microsoft is working on something big. A brand-new Xbox Mobile Gaming Store might be landing as early as mid-2024!
TL;DR
Microsoft is planning to launch its own Xbox Mobile Gaming Store around mid-2024. It wants to rival the App Store and Google Play by offering popular Xbox titles directly to your phone. This move follows Microsoft’s massive acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Big changes are coming for mobile gaming, and it’s looking fun already.
Why a Mobile Store by Microsoft?
Okay, so why is Microsoft making its own mobile gaming store? Well, there are three big reasons:
- More control – Owning the store means Microsoft decides how games are sold and updated.
- Bigger profits – Microsoft can avoid paying fees to Apple and Google.
- Player freedom – You could play your favorite games anywhere, even on the bus!
The success of Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming showed Microsoft that mobile matters a lot. With all the tech and talent it has, making a store for phones only makes sense.
What Games Can We Expect?
This is the fun part. Microsoft isn’t just making a store to host random apps. This is about big games. Seriously big.
Thanks to its recent $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft now owns:
- Call of Duty
- Candy Crush Saga
- Overwatch
- Diablo
That means, yes, you might be playing Call of Duty or Candy Crush straight from Microsoft’s store before the end of the year.
Image not found in postmetaHow Will It Be Different from App Store and Google Play?
Apple and Google run the two biggest app stores right now. They’re like giant malls—but very strict malls. Developers have to follow a ton of rules. They even have to give up to 30% of their profits.
Microsoft wants to change that. Here’s how:
- Better deals for developers – More profits for game makers means more games for us!
- Cross-play support – Play a game on your Xbox at home and continue it on your phone.
- Cloud saves – Your progress follows you. No more starting over.
Think of it like an Xbox Game Pass… but in your pocket.
What Makes Mid-2024 Likely?
So why do people think it’s coming mid-2024? Let’s break it down:
- Legal changes in Europe – The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) makes it easier for companies like Microsoft to launch their own stores, even on iPhones.
- Hints from execs – Xbox boss Phil Spencer said in interviews that they’re working hard to launch the store “soon.”
- Leaks and roadmap reports – Gamer communities and tech insiders have spotted signs pointing to a 2024 launch.
The stars are aligning for Microsoft. And so is the tech.
Wait—So Will It Only Work on Android?
Great question. Until now, Apple hasn’t allowed other stores on iPhones. But that’s changing soon in Europe thanks to new laws.
So, in mid-2024, people in Europe might be able to download the Xbox Mobile Store even on iOS. Rest of the world? Still a bit of a waiting game. But Android users may get first access everywhere.
Image not found in postmetaHow Will It Affect Other Mobile Stores?
This is where things get spicy. Microsoft entering the mobile scene could disrupt the entire gaming landscape.
Here’s what might happen:
- Apple and Google could lose billions in revenue.
- More developers might move to Microsoft’s store for better earnings.
- Gamers could get more choice, better deals, and more cross-platform features.
Competition usually means good things for us players. So grab your popcorn!
What About Game Pass and Cloud Gaming?
Microsoft will likely bake Game Pass right into this mobile store. Players might just get hundreds of games with one subscription.
And here’s something even cooler: Cloud Gaming lets you stream full console games. No downloading needed. Just tap and play, even on weak phones.
Imagine playing Halo or Forza during your lunch break—without a console nearby. That’s where we’re headed.
Challenges Ahead
Of course, launching a mobile gaming store isn’t easy. Microsoft still faces a few roadblocks:
- Apple’s tight control over iPhones outside of Europe.
- Convincing gamers and developers to switch to a new store.
- Competing with huge app stores like Google Play that already dominate.
Still, if anyone can pull it off, it’s Microsoft. They have the games. They have the money. And they definitely have the ambition.
Gamers, Get Ready
So, what should you do to get ready?
- Watch for announcements in summer or early fall 2024.
- Keep your phone updated—especially if you’re in Europe.
- Sign up for Xbox Game Pass if you haven’t. It’s likely to be tied to the new store.
This is an exciting moment in gaming history. Mobile games are going through a big change. And we’re all here for it.
The Bottom Line
Microsoft’s Xbox Mobile Gaming Store might drop in mid-2024. It aims to shake up how games are played—and where they’re played. You’ll see bigger games, smoother gameplay, and more freedom.
So keep your thumbs warmed up. The future of mobile gaming is looking very Xbox-green.