Microsoft’s Mobile Game Store Plans Stalled, Website Returns 404
Microsoft's previously announced plans for a mobile game store have encountered significant delays, with a promotional website now returning a 404 error and the company pausing active development. No official announcement has been made regarding the project's cancellation.
Project Background and Delays
Former Xbox President Sarah Bond first announced the mobile store concept with a target launch date of July 2024. The store was intended to host games including Call of Duty: Mobile, Candy Crush, and Minecraft on both Android and iOS platforms. Beta tests reportedly included offering discounts on in-app currency for Candy Crush to encourage users to switch to Microsoft's store.
The launch was subsequently delayed to the end of 2024 but did not occur. Xbox stopped providing public updates on the timeline. Microsoft attributed part of the delay to ongoing legal proceedings between Apple and Epic Games, citing potential revenue cut implications.
Current Status
As reported by Microsoft API tracker RedPhx and Windows Central, the website teasing the mobile store now redirects to a 404 error page. The last update to that website occurred nearly a year ago. Microsoft has not issued a statement confirming or denying the project's cancellation.
The company's gaming division is undergoing a restructuring under new CEO Asha Sharma, who recently ended the "This is an Xbox" marketing campaign. Separately, within the last 24 hours, Microsoft reduced the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from $29.99 to $22.99 per month.
Company Statements and Future Outlook
Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma stated: "While I am still learning, the idea of an Xbox mobile store is not dead."
Former Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer said in 2023: "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."
Regulatory Considerations
Microsoft has cited strict app store rules from Apple and Google as obstacles to launching its own store. The company has filed an amicus brief in the Epic v. Google case, arguing the court should compel Google to allow alternative app stores on Android.
- Outside the United States, Microsoft could join Google's "Registered App Store" program to enable sideloading.
- Inside the US, Microsoft has expressed hope that a court ruling could require Google to carry third-party stores, such as Microsoft's, within Google Play.