Microsoft plans to create its own app store

Microsoft has said in documents that it plans to create a new Xbox Mobile Platform that will include mobile games from Activision and King.

“The deal (acquisition of Activision Blizzard) will enhance Microsoft’s ability to create a next-generation game store that works across devices, including mobile devices, by adding Activision Blizzard content. Building on existing gamer communities, Xbox will strive to scale the Xbox Store for mobile devices, bringing gamers to the new Xbox mobile platform,” the company said in a filing.

Microsoft added, “Mobile gaming revenue from the King division and titles such as Call of Duty: Mobile and spin-offs accounted for more than half of Activision Blizzard’s revenue in the first half of 2022.”

The deal with Activision Blizzard appears to be Microsoft’s response to the rise of competitors like Google and Apple in mobile gaming. A study by data.ai and IDC found that in the first quarter of 2022, consumers spent more than $1.6 billion per week on mobile games on the App Store and Google Play.

“However, diverting consumers away from the Google Play Store and the App Store on mobile devices will require a major change in their behavior. Microsoft hopes that by offering well-known and popular content, the company will encourage gamers to try something new,” Microsoft added.