Microsoft has announced plans to launch its own store specifically for iOS users, starting with a focus on Microsoft’s games before expanding to include offerings from other iPhone game developers.
This development provides an alternative to the conventional app stores, allowing developers to bypass the usual fees associated with Apple’s and Google’s platforms.
The store, which will be accessible via a website rather than a standalone app, will initially feature in-game items from Microsoft’s own titles, including popular games like Candy Crush Saga. This approach not only ensures availability across different platforms, but also allows gamers to maintain their gaming identity and rewards consistently, irrespective of the device used.
Xbox President Sarah Bond revealed these details at the Bloomberg Technology Summit, highlighting the strategic move to integrate gaming experiences across various devices, including consoles, PCs, and mobile phones
This initiative reflects Microsoft’s broader vision to transcend traditional digital boundaries and provide a seamless gaming experience that travels with the user.
Set to be managed by Microsoft’s Xbox division, the store represents a significant step in leveraging the web to distribute and monetize games directly, circumventing the restrictions and financial implications typically imposed by existing app marketplaces. Such a move not only broadens Microsoft’s reach in the gaming sector, but also enhances flexibility and accessibility for game developers and players alike.