Xbox Game Store for Android Hits a Roadblock Before Launch

Microsoft appears to have encountered a challenge in its efforts to launch an Xbox game store on Android, which would allow users to buy and play Xbox games through the Xbox app on Android.

It was revealed in October that Epic had won a case against Google, declaring the tech company to be in the monopoly category and ordering them to host third-party app shops within the Play Store for a period of three years. Developers like Microsoft are now free to use any billing method they like, as Google Play no longer requires them to do so.

Microsoft quickly said that starting in November, Xbox games will be available to buy in the Microsoft Store for Android, along with the option to play games in the app itself. But the functionality is still nonexistent, and we’re already in the midst of December.

A temporary “administrative stay” is preventing Microsoft from releasing the feature, despite the fact that the company claims to be prepared to do so.

Xbox Store Delay for Android Fans

“Our team has the functionality built and ready to go live,” Xbox president Sarah Bond said in a recent X (Twitter) post, but the company is currently facing delays due to an administrative stay imposed by the courts. Although the exact timing of the court’s judgment is unclear, Bond reiterated that functionality will be available once it is. “We are eager to launch and give more choice and flexibility to players,” said the CEO.

As a part of their appeal, Google has placed the decision under administrative stay, so Xbox lovers will have to be patient until they hear the final decision.

In a statement provided to The Verge, the tech giant from Mountain View believes that Xbox’s rushed endeavor might be disregarding security issues around the provision of a safe billing experience. Dan Jackson, a Google Spokesperson, stated:

Microsoft has always been able to offer their Android users the ability to play and purchase Xbox games directly from their app – they’ve simply chosen not to. The Court’s order, and rush to force its implementation, threaten Google Play’s ability to provide a safe and secure experience. Microsoft, like Epic, is ignoring these very real security concerns. We remain focused on supporting an ecosystem that works for everyone, not just two of the largest game companies.