Starting in November 2024, Microsoft will enable US Android users to purchase Xbox games directly through the Xbox mobile app and play them on their mobile devices. This update aligns with a recent US court ruling in the Epic Games vs. Google antitrust case, which ordered Google to stop forcing developers to use its Play Store billing system. As a result, developers like Microsoft can now bypass Google’s payment restrictions, allowing more flexibility for both players and app creators.

The new feature will also integrate with Xbox Cloud Gaming, letting users instantly stream and play games right after purchasing them. However, it’s important to note that not all games may be available for purchase immediately, as Microsoft plans to roll out titles gradually due to publisher agreements.

This shift is part of Microsoft’s broader goal to expand its presence in mobile gaming. Following its acquisition of Activision Blizzard King, the company has been working on launching a dedicated Xbox mobile store, which will initially focus on first-party games like Minecraft and Candy Crush.