It looks like a new chapter in gaming could be about to open up with the upcoming launch of Microsoft’s Xbox Games Store bringing its suite of console titles and third-party releases to the iPhone and iPad.
Following comments made by Microsoft’s Phil Spencer in an interview with the Financial Times, it appears that the launch depends on the successful approval of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision, a move which has reportedly come under scrutiny from regulators.
Fortunately, it seems that this won’t be a major issue, with Microsoft having agreed to make its lineup of games available on other platforms beyond the Xbox. As Spencer explained: “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. 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.”
These developments chime with previous rumors that Apple was looking to make dramatic changes to the way its App Store operates, with plans afoot to accommodate alternative app stores and other services in line with the upcoming Digital Markets Acts, due to come into force in March 2024.
This would give users more choice in apps and gaming than ever before, with Microsoft being able to bring its Xbox titles to Apple’s mobile devices, not to mention the popular third-party releases which will also be featured on the games store.
Although there are already some Microsoft games available on the iPhone and iPad through cloud gaming services, the new app store would offer them directly on Apple devices, making it easier and more convenient for gamers to access them than ever before.
Of course, until more information about the exact launch is revealed, we can’t say just when gamers will be able to take advantage of the new Microsoft Xbox Games Store. We’ll certainly be keeping our eyes peeled for further news and eager to pass it on – so make sure to keep checking back in for updates!
