Microsoft is set to introduce its Xbox-themed mobile app store, a development that could significantly impact the mobile gaming industry.
Originally announced by Xbox President Sarah Bond in May, the store was expected to launch in July 2024.
As the month draws to a close, a new webpage has surfaced, indicating that the Xbox Mobile Store is nearing release, though it is still in the testing phase.
The newly unveiled webpage, featuring a "Coming Soon" message, acknowledges the participation of Xbox Insiders in the testing program.
This suggests that these early users will have initial access to the store, providing Microsoft with crucial feedback before a wider release.
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New website webpage | Xbox
The store aims to offer an alternative to the current dominant platforms, such as the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, by starting with a selection of Microsoft's own games.
Initial Game Offerings
Microsoft plans to launch the Xbox Mobile Store with a focus on its first-party titles, including well-known games like Minecraft and Candy Crush Saga.
Candy Crush Saga, developed by King, is a popular puzzle game where players match candies to advance through levels.
Minecraft, meanwhile, is a game that allows players to create and explore block-based worlds, encouraging creativity and problem-solving.
What the future would look like
Initially, the store will feature Microsoft's own games, but third-party titles are expected to be added later.
This expansion is part of Microsoft's broader strategy to increase its presence in the mobile gaming market, especially following its its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, a company known for its extensive portfolio of mobile games.
The Xbox Mobile Store is a key component of Microsoft's goal to build a next-generation gaming platform that breaks away from traditional constraints.
Key Features of the Xbox Mobile Store
- Web-Based Launch: The store will initially be available as a web-based platform, ensuring accessibility across various devices and regions, independent of the constraints of app stores like Apple's App Store and Google Play Store.
- First-Party Games: The initial offering will include Microsoft's own mobile games, such as Candy Crush Saga and Minecraft.
- Expansion to Third-Party Games: Microsoft plans to include third-party games in the store at a later date.
- Cross-Platform Experience: The store aims to offer a seamless gaming experience across devices, with user identities, libraries, and rewards accessible regardless of the platform.
- Potential Cloud Gaming Integration: Cloud gaming might be utilized to overcome limitations on iOS devices, allowing users to launch games directly through a web interface.
- Challenging Existing Platforms: The Xbox Mobile Store presents a competitive alternative to the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, potentially providing more flexibility for both developers and gamers.
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By launching as a web-based platform, Microsoft plans to bypass the content restrictions and business model limitations imposed by traditional app stores.
This approach allows for a broader range of games, including those with elements that might be restricted on other platforms.
The Xbox Mobile Store's strategy positions it as a competitive new player in the mobile gaming market, with the potential to change how games are distributed and accessed across devices.