Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming discusses the intention to develop the Xbox Mobile Store with a focus on prioritizing gamers and improving economic opportunities for developers, while also mentioning the conversations within the company and partners regarding the business potential of the store.
Phil Spencer discusses the challenges with the regulatory process for the Xbox Mobile Store
Sharing his thoughts in a recent interview with The Verge, Spencer said that the company is actively pursuing the expansion of its gaming presence on mobile devices. Once being asked about the potential launch of an Xbox mobile store, he highlighted the regulatory hurdles and the need for collaboration with first-party and partner developers to capitalize on the business opportunity.
Spencer said: “There’s regulatory work to actually open up the ability to install another store on an Android or an iPhone, which isn’t done yet. We’re actively engaged in the Digital Markets Act, and the work that has to happen to make that possible. Then there’s us actually building the store. We have some history there from having our own mobile store in the past. So we know how to go get that work done.”
In addition, Phil mentioned talks with Xbox’s game developers and partners about a big opportunity. They’re excited about the idea of having another place to buy games on phones that’s more focused on what gamers want. Because they publish big mobile games like Candy Crush, Call of Duty: Mobile, Diablo Immortal, and Minecraft, Spencer thinks they can get more people to use their store and in return, could help third parties too.
Microsoft eyeing the mobile market comes as a boon to the industry
Discussing Apple’s recent changes under the Digital Markets Act, Phil emphasizes that isn’t enough to make competition fair. He stressed the need for more options for buying games on phones, similar to what’s available on PCs. Even though Xbox Cloud Gaming can’t make money on iOS, Microsoft still wants to work with regulators and companies like Apple and Google to make mobile gaming more open and competitive.
Overall, I see these are positive signs, and Microsoft is enthusiastic about the mobile front is something to watch out for. Although the Activision Blizzard acquisition which was recently approved was a sign of it, the continuous talks about the Xbox Mobile Store launching and search for partners are clear indications of how they want to carry things forward. There’s a need to strike a balance that guarantees fair competition and the Xbox Mobile Store from Microsoft could be that need.
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