Microsoft intends to launch a proprietary app store

Microsoft has opened the door to launch its own mobile gaming 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. to 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 expected to come into effect in March 2024 require Apple and Google to unlock their devices to allow access to app stores. outside of their own.

He added that Microsoft is "working to create a world" where its customers will not be limited to a few app stores in order to be able to install their gaming services.

A key moment in the plans of the App Store will also be the conclusion of a deal to acquire Activision Blizzard.

Spencer said that 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 critical to attracting users to the App Store.

The Activision deal with Blizzard is subject to regulatory scrutiny in the US, Europe and the UK.