Xbox Game Store? Microsoft Tipped To Launch New Mobile Gaming Store In July | Details Inside

Microsoft is reportedly set to launch a new online gaming store for Android and iOS in July to take on the app markets from Apple and Google. According to Bloomberg, the web-based store will launch with Microsoft's games and discounts on in-game items linked to offerings such as Candy Crush Saga. It will likely be a web-based offering to enable added reach.

Xbox President Sarah Bond shared about the move on Thursday at the Bloomberg Technology Summit. Unlike the app-based architecture, a browser-centric approach will ensure the app is accessible across the globe for devices independent from the policies of app markets. With the store, Microsoft may aim to introduce a product that can expand beyond a closed ecosystem.

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This may enable users to carry forward identity, library, rewards and more, according to Bond. Plus, the company plans to facilitate gaming across verticals like consoles, mobile and computers. Besides Candy Crush, Minecraft could be another addition to the web store. "This web-based store is the first step in our journey to building a trusted app store with its roots in gaming," the report cited an emailed response from an Xbox spokesperson.

Sarah Bond, @Microsoft’s Xbox president, announced at #BloombergTech that the company will launch its own mobile game store in July, creating an alternative to Apple and Google’s app stores pic.twitter.com/hj6eLtsGfl

— Bloomberg Live (@BloombergLive) May 9, 2024

The new store could mean that Microsoft may bypass the commission fees of 30 per cent sent to Google or Apple. Earlier, the company shared hints of an Xbox app store in 2023. Considering it will be based on a web architecture, the distribution on Apple devices may be limited due to the availability of sideloading only in the EU.

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A second option to let users play games could be cloud gaming, according to 9To5Google. While the aim could be to bring in an alternative medium to download games, Microsoft may have to figure out an effective medium for sideloading or reliance on the cloud in the absence of stable internet connectivity.