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Xbox mobile

We may soon get an Xbox mobile gaming store. Is it a good move?

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Microsoft is preparing to open the Xbox mobile game store early in the following year.

The software behemoth previously disclosed its ambitions for an Xbox mobile store, and now Xbox CEO Phil Spencer claims the store is being built in preparation for corporations like Google and Apple being compelled to make their mobile app stores public.

Xbox mobile
Image Source: windowscentral.com

In a Financial Times interview, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer stated, “We want to be in a position to offer Xbox and content from both us and our third-party partners across any screen where somebody would want to play.

Also Read: Microsoft to Improve Default App Settings in Windows 11?

Today, we can’t do that on mobile devices but we want to build towards a world that we think will be coming where those devices are opened up.”

Microsoft first made mention of a “next-generation store” in the early months of last year, just one month after the organization revealed its intended acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The Xbox mobile store will rest on Activision Blizzard content like Call of Duty: Mobile and Candy Crush Saga, two hugely popular mobile games released by Activision and King, respectively, in order to compete with Apple and Google’s dominance in the mobile gaming store market.

Microsoft is developing an Xbox mobile store, but in order for it to succeed on iOS and Android gadgets, regulators will need to take some action against Google and Apple. Alternative stores are not permitted on Apple’s iPhone and iPad products, and most nations do not support competing payment options either.

Microsoft and Spotify are among the companies hoping that the EU’s Digital Markets Act will compel Apple and Google to alter the way they distribute mobile apps, eventually allowing for the opening of their portals and stores to competition.

Additionally, Microsoft is developing a larger Xbox mobile platform. Developers will also be able to manage their own app stores inside of Microsoft’s Xbox mobile platform thanks to the forthcoming Xbox mobile store.

Microsoft still needs regulatory clearance for its proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard in order for any of this to materialize. Microsoft has lately engaged in combat with the CMA, calling attention to “clear errors” in the regulator’s financial calculations. The Federal Trade Commission and the European Commission are both conducting regulation investigations into Microsoft.

Also Read: Is the PS5 Pro really coming to market in 2024?

The FTC filed a lawsuit to stop the Microsoft deal last year, and it is still in the document discovery phase. An evidentiary hearing is set for August 2nd, despite reports that the EU is likely to approve Microsoft’s deal.

Microsoft’s “next-generation gaming ecosystem,” which might allude to the company’s plans to develop its Xbox mobile gaming store, was the subject of a recent document request from FTC lawyers.

Qualcomm Snapdragon

Boost for Mobile Gaming in India Through Qualcomm India’s Snapdragon Conquest Program

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Qualcomm India has been launching a few initiatives in recent months and is showing no signs of stopping. Yesterday they announced their plans for an extensive mobile gaming e-sports program. Named Snapdragon Conquest, this first-ever gaming program will give a significant boost to the mobile gaming sector in India. Read on to find out more about Qualcomm’s plans and how they will shape India’s future as a gaming center.

What does the Snapdragon Conquest offer?

Qualcomm stated that the Snapdragon Conquest will be powered by features, such as Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite Gaming. The event will feature various games and programs spread across the year. The program will encourage mobile gamers from across the country and of varied skills to take part and showcase their talent. The event will also feature varying levels of difficulty, helping individuals of varying levels of proficiency to take part in it.

Snapdragon Tournament Details

The kick-off event will be the Snapdragon Conquest: Free Fire Open 2020, which will feature prizes worth a whopping INR 50,00,000. Players from around the world will be able to witness this spectacle as it will be broadcasted live via player live streams. Apart from the opener, Qualcomm has not revealed the other games which will be a part of the Snapdragon Conquest. However, experts believe that Need for Speed and PUBG India will be a part of the lineup due to their popularity within the country.

Entry Specifications for the Tournament

Additionally, the Snapdragon Conquest features no registration fee, making it entirely free to enter. Interested participants may register for the tournament through its official website. Qualcomm also stated that it would reveal further details through the company’s official Twitter ID. Other updates, dates, and details regarding the events and their timings will also be updated through the company’s Twitter handle. The eligibility criteria here is that contestants must be well-versed with Garena Free Fire, which is similar to PUBG Mobile’s works in a way. Each team competing will have four members, and there will be multiple rounds which will help teams progress up the ladder.

Qualcomm India’s Snapdragon Conquest Program
Image Source: indianexpress.com

Qualcomm and India

Qualcomm is an American tech company based infsnap San Diego. Over the years, they have expanded and found a place for themselves within the Indian digital ecosystem. The chipset manufacturer now enjoys a hood position within the Indian market, powering several flagship phones in the market. The Snapdragon Conquest will be their first foray into competitive gaming in India. The Fire tournament that sets off the event will also be Qualcomm’s first Free Fore tournament in the country.

India is the world’s second-largest smartphone market. The rise in the usage of smartphones and improved internet penetration has led to a boom in mobile gaming in India. The advent of 4G has also helped improve access to such games and events in India, leading to more users. The recent $100 million investment by PUBG Corporation is an example of this untapped potential. The move will also trigger a surge in popularity for the Garena Free Fire game that works on a battle royale structure. This event will also help them boost interest regarding their planned launch of PUBG Mobile India.

Impact on Indian Gaming

Qualcomm believes that India is a mobile-first industry wherein most people rely on their smartphones for most things. Rather than invest in a gaming rig, most Indians prefer to play games on their smartphones. Hence, encouraging the mobile-gaming sector within the country is an excellent way to encourage more people to play such games. The rise of mobile gaming in India has been phenomenal, with it raising the demand for better technology as well. As a result, there is a push for an improved ecosystem and better opportunities for such gaming.  

Qualcomm announced that it was excited about the launch of such an event, that is the first of its kind. They believe that they are helping create a community that challenges and understands the gaming needs of Indians across the country. Such an event will also test the competitiveness and skill of our gamers. Meanwhile, it will also give the company a deeper understanding of what this audience needs. Hence, the VP of Qualcomm India, Rajen Vagadia, believes that this event is the start of much greater things.