Xbox games on Android delayed due to legal disputes with Google

Microsoft's plan to allow Android users to play and purchase Xbox games directly through the Xbox App has hit an unexpected obstacle due to legal challenges in court.

The issue stems from a court order mandating changes to Google's Play Store, including allowing competition and ending its requirement for apps to use Google Play Billing. While Microsoft claims its Xbox app on Android is "ready to go live," it remains tied up due to a temporary administrative stay granted by a court in October.

In the social media platform, Bluesky, Sarah Bond, a senior executive at Microsoft wrote, "Due to a temporary administrative stay recently granted by the courts, we are currently unable to launch these features as planned. Our team has the functionality built and ready to go live as soon as the court makes a final decision."

Initially announced by Sarah Bond the feature was slated to launch in November. However, legal disputes with Google over its Play Store policies have delayed the rollout indefinitely.

Google, however, disputes Microsoft's claims, arguing that the company has always had the ability to sell games directly through its app but has chosen not to.