Microsoft Commits To Openness In New App Store

Executives at Microsoft are pledging the company’s new video game app store will be governed by open-market principals, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday (Feb. 9).

These remarks were made to reporters ahead of meetings between Microsoft and lawmakers about the company’s landmark purchase of gaming giant Activision Blizzard, reported PYMNTS. 

Among the principles the company pledges to adopt for its store: developers won’t need to use a proprietary, something Apple has been criticized for by lawmakers and developers alike.

“We are more focused on adapting to regulation than fighting against it,” said Microsoft President Brad Smith.

Last month, Microsoft announced plans to acquire Activision for $75 billion, its largest purchase ever and a deal that would help bolster the company’s subscription gaming service Game Pass. The service gives users access to a catalog of games for a monthly fee. These users would get to play wildly popular franchises like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft if the deal goes forward.

As many observers have pointed out, the deal is also Microsoft’s bet on the burgeoning metaverse, a 3D world of immersive activities that mix with virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).

The deal is subject to regulatory approval, with the US Federal Trade Commission trying to determine if the acquisition will hamper competition in the gaming world.

Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.