Court Order Causes Microsoft to Postpone New Xbox App Features on Google Play

Microsoft had some exciting plans lined up for its official Xbox app on Android, set to hit the Google Play Store by the end of 2024. Unfortunately, it seems we’ll have to wait a bit longer, possibly into next year, for these features to roll out.

Sarah Bond, the president of Xbox, took to social media to share the news. A temporary halt imposed by U.S. courts has forced Microsoft to pause the ability for Android users to purchase and play games directly through the Xbox app. This delay follows Bond’s prior announcement that these features were expected to launch in November, after Google was ordered to open its app store to third-party competitors in early October.

In her social media post, Bond expressed, “At Xbox, we’re all about giving players more ways to enjoy their games, including buying and playing them straight from the Xbox app.” She continued, noting their ambitions to first roll out these features via the Google Play Store in the U.S., while other app stores adapt to meet growing consumer needs.

“Unfortunately, due to a recent temporary court order, these plans are on hold,” Bond elaborated. She reassured users that the feature is ready to go live, pending a final court decision. “We’re keen to launch and increase choice and flexibility for our players,” she added.

This delay is just a hiccup in Microsoft’s broader vision to integrate mobile gaming within the Xbox ecosystem. Bond mentions that the court’s administrative hold is temporary, which suggests it’s not a major setback. In the big picture, Microsoft’s journey seems smooth so far. With rising regulatory pressure on mobile store giants like Google and Apple, and the popularity of Xbox Cloud Gaming included in the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, gamers have been streaming games on mobile with enthusiasm.

Additionally, Xbox Cloud Gaming recently introduced a “Stream Your Own Game” feature. This allows users to stream up to 50 titles they’ve purchased, even if they’re not part of the Xbox Game Pass library at launch. Over time, more games will be added to this service, expanding players’ options.

Looking ahead, Microsoft and Xbox have some hurdles to overcome. The long-anticipated Xbox handheld device is indeed real, but it’s predicted to be several years away. On top of that, the launch of their mobile gaming store has been postponed. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer commented on the need for a compelling market presence to attract customers beyond just hoping that users will come because it’s available. He stated, “If we’re just hoping, like, if we build it, they will come, I’m going to bet that doesn’t work.” Furthermore, the reliability of Xbox Cloud Gaming falls short compared to alternatives like NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and cross-progression with Xbox Play Anywhere isn’t as extensive as it could be—issues that Microsoft undoubtedly needs to tackle.

However, Microsoft and Xbox are charging into 2025 with a strong backing. Titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and the exclusive STALKER 2 have seen roaring success, and with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle just around the corner, excitement is brewing. Not to mention Obsidian Entertainment’s upcoming game, Avowed. This year has also seen a steady influx of third-party games onto the platform, including unexpected titles like Death Stranding, which was a PlayStation exclusive for a long time.

While Microsoft gears up for even greater achievements and continues to enhance their services, their mission remains clear: to bring Xbox games to “as many screens as possible.” Time will ultimately tell, but I see plenty of opportunities for Microsoft to climb even higher as they work to make Xbox gaming more accessible across a variety of platforms. Hopefully, this temporary administrative delay won’t last too long.