Microsoft intends to launch a proprietary app store as an alternative to Google Play and the App Store

Microsoft has opened the door to launching its own mobile game app store if regulators approve its $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, according to the Financial Times.

Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, told the publication that the company plans to offer content from its Xbox console and third-party partners: “We can’t do it on mobile today, but we want to build the world we think is coming”. .. where these devices will be opened”.

Spencer was referring to a pending update to the European Union’s (EU) Digital Markets Act, under which new rules due to come into force in March 2024 require Apple and Google to unlock their devices for allow access to app stores outside of their own.

He added that Microsoft is “working to create a world” where its customers are not limited to a few app stores in order to install their game services.

A key moment in the App Store’s plans will also be the conclusion of an agreement to acquire Activision Blizzard.

Spencer said mobile games are “an obvious gap in our capabilities,” and acquiring a game publisher could help fill that gap.

He also noted that popular games such as Call of Duty and Candy Crush Saga will be key in attracting users to the App Store.

Activision’s deal with Blizzard is subject to regulatory review in the US, Europe and the UK.

See also: GPT-4 will appear in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and other versions as Microsoft 365 Copilot.