Microsoft is taking a significant step toward establishing the Xbox app as the central hub for PC gaming. With hundreds of new titles added and an updated home interface, the tech giant is working to integrate a broader array of PC games into its ecosystem, regardless of their affiliation with PC Game Pass.
Hundreds of New Titles Now Available
The latest update to the Xbox app introduces nearly 400 new PC games that weren’t previously accessible. These additions include games from prominent Japanese developers like Kemco and Kairosoft, as well as standout titles such as The Invincible by Double 11.
Chris Charla, General Manager of Content Curation and Programs at Xbox, emphasized the initiative:
“We’re super excited to see what Xbox games come to Windows PC from game creators in the future and to welcome nearly 400 titles that previously weren’t discoverable or purchasable in the Xbox app.”
Moreover, over 100 of these games support Xbox Play Anywhere, a feature allowing players to access their games across Xbox consoles and PC seamlessly. This means players can enjoy cross-play, universal cloud saves, and other Xbox features across platforms, assuming the developer supports it.
Addressing the Xbox App’s Discoverability Issues
One of the longstanding problems with the Xbox app has been difficulty discovering games like Xbox Play Anywhere titles. Microsoft has acknowledged this and is addressing the issue by integrating these previously hidden games into the Xbox app’s search functionality.
The XboxEra community has actively tracked missing titles over time, and Microsoft’s recent efforts show it has been listening. The move to expand access to these games reflects a more streamlined approach to PC gaming discovery, eliminating barriers for users searching for games across the Xbox ecosystem.
Expanding the Xbox App’s Reach in PC Gaming
Microsoft has also taken steps to attract game developers to its Windows-based store by lowering its store cut from 30% to 12%, signaling its commitment to competing with other gaming platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store. However, even with these changes, many cross-play games haven’t yet made their way into the Xbox app.
There’s speculation that Microsoft might integrate games from rival platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, or itch.io into the Xbox app in the future. This would significantly broaden the Xbox app’s catalog, making it even more comprehensive as a unified destination for PC gaming.
New Home UI and Enhanced Features
The Xbox app update also introduces a redesigned home interface aimed at improving user experience. Highlights of the new UI include:
- Featured Content from PC Game Pass & Microsoft Store: Users will see curated content, making it easier to discover popular games and promotions.
- Collections of Deals & Discounts: A spotlight on price reductions for popular games.
- “Jump Back In” Section: A user-friendly feature allowing players to quickly return to their most recent games, mirroring functionality seen on Xbox consoles.
These changes aim to streamline navigation, discovery, and re-engagement with games, offering a smoother, console-like experience for PC gamers.
Looking Ahead: Will Microsoft Integrate More Game Stores?
While the current focus is on bolstering its catalog with hundreds of games and improved user interfaces, Microsoft has plans to expand its vision further. During the upcoming Game Developers Conference in March, Microsoft will likely share more insights into the Xbox app’s long-term strategy and additional features.
It will be interesting to see whether Microsoft takes the bold step of allowing cross-platform storefronts, such as Steam and Epic Games Store, to integrate directly into the Xbox app ecosystem. Such a move could reshape how users approach PC gaming entirely.
Microsoft’s Commitment to the Future of PC Gaming
With this latest update, Microsoft isn’t just adding games but redefining the Xbox app as a unified hub for the entire PC gaming experience. This new direction showcases Microsoft’s ambition to compete with established storefronts while offering users convenience, better discoverability, and features like cross-play and cloud-saving.
As Microsoft continues to improve its app and expand its gaming ecosystem, the Xbox app is well on its way to becoming the go-to destination for PC gamers.
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