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Xbox Mobile Store Dreams Put on Hold
22 Apr
Summary
- Microsoft's Xbox mobile store project is reportedly on hold.
- Strict app store rules hindered Microsoft's launch plans.
- The company is still evaluating future mobile gaming opportunities.
Microsoft's initiative to establish an Xbox mobile gaming store, first announced in 2022, has reportedly been put on hold. The project, intended to challenge Apple and Google's dominance in mobile app distribution, faced significant hurdles due to stringent app store policies.
Originally targeting a July 2024 launch, the store's development faced delays, with its testing URL becoming inactive. Microsoft had hoped regulatory actions like Europe's Digital Markets Act or U.S. court cases would open up app store access, but these developments did not materialize as anticipated.
While the concept of a dedicated Xbox mobile store is not entirely abandoned, according to Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma, its future remains uncertain. Previous statements from former Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer highlighted a desire to offer Xbox content across all screens, including mobile devices, a goal that remains unfulfilled due to current market restrictions.
