Microsoft has announced plans to launch its own online store for mobile gaming. The initiative was revealed by Xbox President Sarah Bond at the Bloomberg Technology Summit.
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At the Bloomberg Technology Summit, Xbox President Sarah Bond unveiled Microsoft’s plan. The store is planned for a July launch and will initially feature Microsoft’s own popular titles such as Candy Crush Saga and Minecraft.
This diversifies Microsoft’s gaming portfolio but also plans to provide an alternative platform for purchasing mobile game consumables bypassing the hefty fees imposed by competitors.
Microsoft’s decision to launch a web-based store shows a commitment to accessibility across all devices and countries free from the constraints of closed ecosystems.
Microsoft plans to create a gaming experience for users across consoles, PCs, and mobile devices.
The dominance of Apple and Google in the app store market characterized by a standard fee of around 30% on sales and has long been an issue for game developers.
Microsoft’s entry into the mobile gaming space introduces competition and also leverages legislative developments such as the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, to establish its own direct-to-consumer web store.
Phil Spencer, Microsoft’s gaming chief had hinted at the possibility of a mobile game store as early as December last year.
With the impending launch in July, Microsoft is poised to realize its vision of expanding gaming opportunities beyond traditional platforms.
Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard which included mobile gaming giant King has bolstered its mobile gaming ambitions.
Titles like Candy Crush Saga and Call of Duty Mobile are expected to feature in the initial offerings of the new store.
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The store will feature Microsoft’s popular titles such as Candy Crush Saga and Minecraft with plans to expand to include games from other publishers in the future.
The decision to start with Microsoft’s own games with the company’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, including mobile giant King, known for Candy Crush.
This comes as Microsoft plans to capitalize on the changing industry of the digital market particularly with the enforcement of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act.
This legislation empowers tech companies to establish their own web stores bypassing the fees imposed by Apple and Google.
Xbox boss Phil Spencer addressed the importance of Microsoft’s entry into the mobile gaming market, highlighting the necessity of being present on the platform where a huge portion of the global population engages with gaming.
Spencer reiterated Microsoft’s commitment to offering Xbox content across various screens including mobile devices.
The mobile game store represents the first step in Microsoft’s journey towards building a trusted app store rooted in gaming.
By leveraging its gaming portfolio and industry expertise, Microsoft plans to create a great gaming experience for users across different platforms.
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