Microsoft Announces Android Xbox Game Store Completion, Hindered by Google Restrictions

Microsoft has completed the development of its Android version of the Microsoft Xbox game store. Despite this milestone, the company has not yet launched the game purchasing functionality. Microsoft had previously announced that starting November, players would be able to purchase and play games directly through Xbox for Android.

The delay in launching the game purchasing feature is primarily due to issues with the billing system. Technically, players could sideload the Xbox store and make purchases without any issues. However, Microsoft's intention to distribute the app through Google Play presents complications.

Google's policy mandates the use of Google's in-app payment system for apps distributed on Google Play, entitling Google to a cut of every transaction. Microsoft is reluctant to adopt Google's in-app payment system for its transactions.

Following the judgment in the lawsuit filed by EPIC against Google, the court mandated Google to open its app store to third-party apps or game stores, allowing them to utilize their own payment systems. Although this order remains in effect, it has not been enforced yet. On October 18, the court approved Google's request to delay the enforcement of this order while Google appeals the decision, arguing that there is no illegal monopoly in the Android app marketplace.

Microsoft's current predicament raises curiosity about its next moves. Antitrust legal battles typically extend over long periods. If the enforcement of the court's order awaits the conclusion of the appeal, Microsoft might have to wait another 1 to 2 years or even longer.

From this perspective, Microsoft might eventually decide to abandon its plan to avoid Google's in-app payment system, at least temporarily. This would allow the Xbox store to be listed and used normally on Google Play. Microsoft could then switch to its own payment system once the court's order takes effect.