Microsoft CEO Phil Spencer said the company is actively developing its own gaming app store and has already begun talks with possible partners.
Speaking to Bloomberg, Spencer poked fun at Apple and Google, the owners of mobile platforms. Regarding where they obtain their games on their mobile devices, he claimed that players “don’t have choice” anymore.
“We’re going to have to be strong across many screens,” he continued, in order to guarantee Xbox stays relevant for the ensuing ten to twenty years.
“We are actively working on it today, not just by ourselves, but also in conversation with other partners who would like to see more options for monetizing phone calls. It’s a key component of our strategy,” Spencer stated.
Spencer stated he didn’t expect it would be “multiple years away,” but rather “I think this is sooner than that,” despite the fact that no precise launch date has been announced.
Future cross-platform
The Financial Times revealed earlier this year that Microsoft’s own app store would debut as early as 2024. The digital markets act of the European Union, according to the tech giant, may compel Apple and Google to allow other app stores on their platforms.
According to reports, Apple plans to fight the new rules in court in an effort to keep its hegemony over the iOS market.
With its Game Pass subscription service, Microsoft intends to make games available on all platforms for its Xbox business.
The company’s cloud gaming service currently allows mobile users to stream games, however iPhone users must access them via the internet rather than the Game Pass app.
