Microsoft planning to launch in-house mobile app store

Publisher to capitalize on new Digital Markets Act

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has revealed the publisher’s plans to open its own in-house app store, selling and distributing games and other software directly to mobile devices.

Speaking to The Financial Times, Spencer noted that the EU’s incoming Digital Markets Act — new legislation that will force carriers such as Apple and Google to allow third-party app stores to operate on the iOS and Android service — will offer Microsoft the opportunity to distribute its wares directly, rather than through current conglomerate app stores.

“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,” said Spencer in the interview. “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.”

“The Digital Markets Act that’s coming — those are the kinds of things [Microsoft is] planning for… I think it’s a huge opportunity.”

Spencer also referenced the potential for Xbox Game Pass and cloud gaming services to appear in the hypothetical new store. Microsoft is, of course, hoping to get its hands on some of today’s most popular mobile titles, including Call of Duty Mobile and Candy Crush Saga, through its intended acquisition of Activision Blizzard — an acquisition that still remains a long, long way from completion. The deadline for the EU Commission to decide whether or not it approves the merger has been delayed to May 22, but this remains one of numerous hurdles Microsoft must clear before the proposed purchase can be closed.

Microsoft plans mobile games app store to rival Apple and Google [Financial Times]

Chris Moyse

Senior Editor – Chris has been playing video games since the 1980s and writing about them since the 1880s. Graduated from Galaxy High with honors. Twitter: @ChrisxMoyse