US gamers will soon be able to buy Xbox games on Android phones
Android users in the US will be able to buy and play Xbox games on their phones starting in November due to a landmark ruling that forced Google’s hand.
Microsoft has announced that it will be updating the Xbox Android app to allow US users to buy Xbox games on the app, alongside its existing ability to play games through Xbox Cloud Gaming.
A court has ruled that Google must stop requiring in-app purchases to use Google Play Billing, beginning on November 1st. The ruling orders that they maintain this openness for three years.
This is a result of ongoing legal challenges against both Google and Apple by Epic Games, which won a lawsuit in December proving that Google had an illegal monopoly with the Google Play Store.
This comes just months after a federal judge ruled in August that Google violated antitrust laws to establish a monopoly in the search and advertising markets.
“The court’s ruling to open up Google’s mobile store in the US will allow more choice and flexibility,” says Xbox president Sarah Bond in a post on X. “Our mission is to allow more players to play on more devices so we are thrilled to share that starting in November, players will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly from the Xbox App on Android.”
The court's ruling to open up Google´s mobile store in the US will allow more choice and flexibility. Our mission is to allow more players to play on more devices so we are thrilled to share that starting in November, players will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly…
— BondSarahBond (@BondSarah_Bond) October 10, 2024
Google has criticized the rulingThe tech giant has stated its intentions to appeal the injunction, calling the decision “completely contrary” to decisions made when Epic Games challenged Apple.
“The changes would put consumers’ privacy and security at risk, make it harder for developers to promote their apps, and reduce competition on devices,” said Google’s Lee-Anne Mulholland, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, in a statement.
Epic Games does not seem content to stop there, with CEO Tim Sweeney saying in a post on X, “The Court’s injunction applies to the United States only, so the legal and regulatory battle will continue around the world.”
Featured image credit: Ideogram
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