Tag: xbox
Xbox head says Microsoft’s mobile game store could arrive next year
Microsoft is preparing to launch an Xbox store on iOS and Android as early as next year, according to Phil Spencer. The head of the company’s gaming division shared the timeline in a Financial Times interview published on Monday, noting the plan is dependent on regulators approving Microsoft’s $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
“We want to be in a position to offer Xbox and content from both us and our third-party partners across any screen where somebody would want to play,” Spencer told the outlet. “Today, we can’t do that on mobile devices but we want to build towards a world that we think will be coming where those devices are opened up.”
Microsoft first revealed it was working on an Xbox store for mobile devices in regulatory documents the company filed with the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) last year. At the time, the tech giant didn’t provide a timeline for the plan, noting only its proposed merger with Activision Blizzard would play a critical role. Spencer was more direct on Monday. “The Digital Markets Act that’s coming — those are the kinds of things that we are planning for,” he said. “I think it’s a huge opportunity.”
Under the Digital Markets Acts (DMA), major platforms the European Union designates as “gatekeepers” will be required to open their devices to competing app stores. Last fall, a Bloomberg report said Apple was already at work preparing to make iOS compliant with the legislation ahead of its March 2024 deadline. The EU will allow companies it labels as gatekeepers to appeal the designation, a carveout that could delay enforcement of the law. Additionally, with challenges from the Federal Trade Commission and CMA, there’s no guarantee Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard will close before the new rules apply to Apple and Google, a fact Spencer seemed to acknowledge when interviewed by the Financial Times. However, he said it would be “pretty trivial” for Microsoft to adapt its existing Xbox and Game Pass apps to sell games and subscriptions through mobile devices.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/xbox-head-says-microsofts-mobile-game-store-could-arrive-next-year-180007168.html?src=rss
Microsoft Wants to Launch Xbox Games Store on iPhone
In an interview with the Financial Times, Microsoft’s gaming chief Phil Spencer said the app’s launch hinges on regulators approving the company’s acquisition of video game maker Activision Blizzard, as this would give Microsoft a wider portfolio of mobile games. Second, the app would only be able to launch if the EU’s Digital Markets Act and other regulations allowing for alternative app stores on iOS are enforced.
“We want to be in a position to offer Xbox and content from both us and our third-party partners across any screen where somebody would want to play,” Spencer told the Financial Times. “Today, we can’t do that on mobile devices, but we want to build towards a world that we think will be coming where those devices are opened up.”
In December, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman reported that Apple was preparing to allow alternative app stores on the iPhone in order to comply with the Digital Markets Act, which is expected to come into effect in March 2024. Gurman said Apple was aiming to roll out the changes with an iOS 17 update next year for iPhone users in Europe only. This means the Xbox games store would not be available in the U.S., at least initially.
Xbox already offers a cloud gaming service on the iPhone, but games are only playable via the web instead of the App Store. Apple has faced increasing regulatory scrutiny over its tight control of the App Store, leading the company to make changes in some countries, such as allowing alternative payments in South Korea.
This article, “Microsoft Wants to Launch Xbox Games Store on iPhone” first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
New to Xbox? Spend only $5 for two months of Game Pass Ultimate.
TL;DR: As of March 19, you can get two months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for just $5 — that’s 83% off the usual $29 cost for a limited time.
Playing video games is a fun hobby for many. Not only is it a source of entertainment, but it has also been known to reduce stress. Whether you’re playing Call of Duty with your friends or living out your Harry Potter fantasy in Hogwarts Legacy, Xbox is a popular choice for gaming.
If you’re new to the wonderful world of Xbox, you could score a great deal on Game Pass Ultimate, which gives you access to over 100 games and EA Play. For a limited time, new users can get a two-month subscription for just $5.
Immerse yourself in Xbox gaming with a huge selection of high-quality games that can be played on your console, as well as devices like your mobile phone, tablet, or PC via Xbox Cloud Gaming. That way, you’ll be able to find your game data anywhere and still play with other players using different devices.
You’ll also benefit from all the perks of Xbox Live Gold, which allows you to join a community of other gamers and compete in multiplayer games. Plus, get free games every month and discounts within the Xbox Store.
EA Play is also part of the deal, which gives you instant access to EA’s top games, as well as in-game challenges and rewards only members can take advantage of. This members-only content even allows you to play select games for a 10-hour trial that others would have to buy to access.
When you purchase this deal, you’ll receive a digital code — be sure to redeem it within 30 days of your purchase. It’s also important to note that codes are not stackable, and that this deal is only available to new users, or members with an expired Game Pass.
Get your game on with a two-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for just $5 (reg. $29) for a limited time.
Prices subject to change.
Opens in a new tab
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: 2-Month Subscription
(opens in a new tab)
This Week on Xbox: Diablo IV Beta, Valheim, and 100 New Games this Spring
Funky 1990s Sokoban/Strategy Mashup Backbeat is Now on Xbox
Next Week on Xbox: New Games for March 20 to 24
Hyperkin’s Xbox 360-Style Controller Gets Release Date on Xbox Series X|S
Hyperkin’s Xbox 360 controller reissue now has a price and release date
Good news for nostalgic millennial gamers: Hyperkin’s remake of the Xbox 360 controller is inching closer to release. The Xenon controller was first announced by Hyperkin back in November, but not much solid info was given outside of some renders and the basic knowledge that this reissue will be a USB-C wired-only reprisal for Xbox Series X / S and PC.
Now, Hyperkin says the Xenon controller is set for release on June 6th, with preorders on its store beginning May 5th. If you have enough love for the old Xbox 360 controller that you want to own a reissue, which eschews wireless connectivity and the classic green LED-surrounded guide buton, the new version will cost $49.99 in white, black, red, or pink.