Microsoft's highly anticipated Xbox game store on Android devices has hit a roadblock. Despite initially announcing that the feature would be available in November, the tech giant is now waiting for a court order to take effect before launching the service. The delay is a result of a recent antitrust ruling against Google's Play Store, which has been stayed pending appeal.

In October, Judge James Donato ruled that Google's Android app store constituted an illegal monopoly, ordering the company to make significant changes to its business practices. One of the key provisions of the ruling was the requirement for Google to open up its Play Store to more competition, including allowing apps to use alternative billing systems. Microsoft, which has been planning its mobile app store strategy for years, was poised to take advantage of this new landscape by launching its Xbox game store on Android devices.

However, Google's request for a stay was granted, putting the ruling on hold while the company appeals the decision. This has left Microsoft in limbo, unable to launch its Xbox game store as planned. In a thread on Bluesky, Microsoft exec Sarah Bond acknowledged the delay, stating that the company's team has the functionality built and ready to go live as soon as the court makes a final decision.

The delay is frustrating for gamers and Android users who were looking forward to having more options available on their devices without requiring rooting or other workarounds. Microsoft's Xbox game store on Android would have provided a significant alternative to Google's Play Store, offering users a new way to purchase and play Xbox games directly on their devices.

The antitrust ruling against Google's Play Store has far-reaching implications for the tech industry, and Microsoft's delay is just one example of how the ongoing legal battle is affecting companies and consumers alike. As the appeal process plays out, it remains to be seen how the final ruling will shape the Android app ecosystem and the companies that operate within it.

In the meantime, Microsoft and other companies are left waiting for a final decision, which could take several months or even years to resolve. The delay is a setback for Microsoft's mobile app store strategy, but the company remains committed to bringing its Xbox game store to Android devices as soon as possible.

The ongoing legal battle between Google and the courts has significant implications for the tech industry, and this latest development highlights the complexities and challenges of regulating big tech. As the situation continues to unfold, it will be important to monitor how the final ruling affects the Android app ecosystem and the companies that operate within it.