Known for operating in the video game market for consoles and PC, Microsoft is already planning a new expansion for the mobile segment. Phil Spencer, head of the Xbox division, predicted the tech’s plans to enter the iOS and Android market in an interview with the Financial Times. The manager also checks that if everything goes according to plan, the store’s Xbox Store It should launch in early 2024. But for that to happen, we’ll have to wait for the Digital Markets Act to come into effect, which will force Apple and Google to expand access to apps available to consumers in the European Union.

Xbox content on all screens

“The arrival of the Digital Markets Act: that’s the kind of thing we’ve been planning,” Spencer said. “I think this is a great opportunity.” The new law, which defines “digital watchdogs” who use their power to block other companies’ access to the mobile market and has until March 6, 2024, to lift any restrictions, should go into effect from May 2 this year.

According to Spencer, those responsible for the Xbox environment want to explore the mobile market to achieve their goal of delivering content on all possible screens and environments. The manager explains that the store prepared by the company should offer both its own games and games produced by other companies to consumers. “We can’t do that on mobile right now, but we want to build a world that we think is the future,” Spencer said.

European Commission’s decision is awaited

The acquisition of Activision Blizzard will be particularly important in this respect, as it will give Microsoft access to the popular catalog of games developed by King. The company realizes that it will be very difficult to reach the market shares that Google Play and the App Store manage with a potential store of its own, and players should at least be willing to try something new. mobile area. Theoretically and always we assume that the final decision of the European Commission on the matter is not postponed again on 22 May. In addition to the approval of the European Commission, the purchase of the publisher is still dependent on the green light from the British CMA and the North American FTC.