Microsoft looks set to take on Google Play for Android gaming supremacy with the launch of their own Microsoft mobile games service, and we may see it as soon as 2024. This information came up in a Financial Times interview with Microsoft’s CEO of Gaming, Phil Spencer.
This 2024 date probably isn’t a coincidence. It’s also the year that the EU’s Digital Markets Act fully comes into force. This means that Google, and even the tightly-vetted Apple, will have to permit third-party app stores on their platforms.
A Lot Going On At Microsoft
This news comes as Microsoft sits poised to gain ownership of Activision-Blizzard, something that will put huge names like Diablo, Warcraft, Overwatch, and Call Of Duty into the tech giant’s hands.
So all this begs the question, is this good news for the average Android gamer? Well, potentially. In the interview, there seemed to be nods towards bringing recognizable games to the mobile platforms which we haven’t had access to them before.
According to Spencer “We want to be in a position to offer Xbox and content from both us and our third-party partners across any screen where somebody would want to play.”
Too Early To Say What It Means For Android Users
This definitely conjures some pretty exciting suggestions for more games accessible on our favorite platform.
On the other hand, we could just be left with existing games we like spread across more stores as Microsoft takes the games under its label onto the new storefront and off Google Play.
Or maybe it’ll be a bit of both.
At the moment it’s too early to make any definitive calls on the plans for the Microsoft mobile games store, but you can be certain that we’ll be keeping a close eye on any developments and keeping you up to date as things develop.
Want to check out some console gameplay on Android from people who don’t need to wait for a port? Check out our piece on the NieR: Automata Android emulation.
