Home US gamers will soon be able to buy Xbox games on Android phones

US gamers will soon be able to buy Xbox games on Android phones

TLDR

  • Android users in the US can buy and play Xbox games on phones starting November.
  • A court ruling forces Google to stop requiring Google Play Billing for in-app purchases.
  • Google plans to appeal, citing risks to privacy, security, and reduced competition.

Android users in the US will be able to buy and play Xbox games on their phones starting in November due to a landmark ruling that forced Google’s hand.

Microsoft has announced that it will be updating the Xbox Android app to allow US users to buy Xbox games on the app, alongside its existing ability to play games through Xbox Cloud Gaming.

A court has ruled that Google must stop requiring in-app purchases to use Google Play Billing, beginning on November 1st. The ruling orders that they maintain this openness for three years.

This is a result of ongoing legal challenges against both Google and Apple by Epic Games, which won a lawsuit in December proving that Google had an illegal monopoly with the Google Play Store.

This comes just months after a federal judge ruled in August that Google violated antitrust laws to establish a monopoly in the search and advertising markets.

“The court’s ruling to open up Google’s mobile store in the US will allow more choice and flexibility,” says Xbox president Sarah Bond in a post on X. “Our mission is to allow more players to play on more devices so we are thrilled to share that starting in November, players will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly from the Xbox App on Android.”

Google has criticized the ruling

The tech giant has stated its intentions to appeal the injunction, calling the decision “completely contrary” to decisions made when Epic Games challenged Apple.

“The changes would put consumers’ privacy and security at risk, make it harder for developers to promote their apps, and reduce competition on devices,” said Google’s Lee-Anne Mulholland, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, in a statement.

Epic Games does not seem content to stop there, with CEO Tim Sweeney saying in a post on X, “The Court’s injunction applies to the United States only, so the legal and regulatory battle will continue around the world.”

Featured image credit: Ideogram

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech, gambling and blockchain industries for major developments, new product and brand launches, AI breakthroughs, game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to in-house staff writers with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Ali Rees
Tech journalist

Ali Rees is a freelance writer based in the UK. They have worked as a data and analytics consultant, a software tester, and a digital marketing and SEO specialist. They have been a keen gamer and tech enthusiast since their childhood in are currently the Gaming and Tech editor at Brig Newspaper. They also have a Substack where they review short video games. During the pandemic, Ali turned their hand to live streaming and is a fan of Twitch. When not writing, Ali enjoys playing video and board games, live music, and reading. They have two cats and both of…

Get the biggest tech headlines of the day delivered to your inbox

    By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Tech News

    Explore the latest in tech with our Tech News. We cut through the noise for concise, relevant updates, keeping you informed about the rapidly evolving tech landscape with curated content that separates signal from noise.

    In-Depth Tech Stories

    Explore tech impact in In-Depth Stories. Narrative data journalism offers comprehensive analyses, revealing stories behind data. Understand industry trends for a deeper perspective on tech's intricate relationships with society.

    Expert Reviews

    Empower decisions with Expert Reviews, merging industry expertise and insightful analysis. Delve into tech intricacies, get the best deals, and stay ahead with our trustworthy guide to navigating the ever-changing tech market.