Microsoft mobile game store: A new era for Kenyan gamers
Microsoft is set to revolutionise mobile gaming with the launch of its long-awaited Xbox mobile game store in July.
Announced at the Bloomberg Technology Summit, the new venture will initially feature Microsoft’s library of mobile games, like Candy Crash and Minecraft, with plans to expand and include games from other publishers. This strategic move is designed to cement Microsoft’s presence in the mobile gaming market.
Unlike traditional app stores, Microsoft’s Xbox Mobile Games Store will be a web-based platform accessible from any device with a web browser.
This means that Kenyan gamers can easily access the store from any smartphone, tablet or computer, regardless of operating system.
This innovative approach allows users to bypass the restrictions and high fees, often up to 30 per cent, imposed by app stores such as Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store.
In addition, a web-based store avoids potential regional restrictions that may be present in traditional app stores, providing Kenyan gamers with a more flexible and inclusive gaming experience.
Microsoft’s strategy reflects its long-term goal of expanding its reach in the mobile gaming market and positioning itself as a formidable competitor to Apple and Google.
The company’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, known for popular mobile franchises, in 2022 underscores this focus.
The launch of the web-based store also coincides with increased scrutiny of app store giants such as Google and Apple, with various governments pushing for changes to their app store practices, potentially paving the way for new competitors such as Microsoft.
It remains to be seen whether Microsoft will offer downloadable games, game streaming or both through the new store. However, with the existing Xbox Cloud Gaming service already offering game streaming to mobile devices, there is potential to integrate this technology into the new platform.