A few weeks ago, Microsoft executive Sarah Bond announced that by November, players would be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly through the Xbox App on Android. However, as December approaches, the feature is still unavailable, and Bond points to legal delays rather than technical issues as the cause.
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According to Bond, Microsoft can only enable the feature after a court order enforces significant changes to Google’s Play Store policies. These changes would allow competition and eliminate the requirement for apps to use Google Play Billing. On October 18th, Judge James Donato granted Google’s request for a stay while it appeals a ruling labeling the Android app store as an illegal monopoly. This stay delays the implementation of the ruling, leaving Microsoft’s plans in limbo.
In a recent thread on Bluesky, Bond addressed the delay, saying, “Due to a temporary administrative stay recently granted by the courts, we are currently unable to launch these features as planned. Our team has the functionality built and ready to go live as soon as the court makes a final decision.”
After the story gained attention, Google spokesperson Dan Jackson reiterated a prior statement, saying, “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.”
While Microsoft has long been working on its mobile app store strategy, the delay leaves gamers frustrated. The company has yet to clarify why it can’t offer Xbox game purchases now, as other platforms like Steam and PlayStation do. Additionally, its browser-based mobile store remains in a “coming soon” status, with no updates since August.
