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IN BRIEF
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Get ready to power up, gamers! Microsoft is making a bold play to transform the Xbox app into the ultimate central hub for PC gaming. With hundreds of previously unavailable titles rolling in, it’s clear that the tech giant is set on making this platform your go-to place for discovering and enjoying games, whether they’re part of PC Game Pass or not. This overhaul isn’t just about adding more games; it’s about creating a seamless, engaging experience that brings gamers together like never before!
In a bold move to redefine the landscape of PC gaming, Microsoft is revamping its Xbox app, transforming it into what promises to be the ultimate central hub for gamers. With the addition of nearly 400 new titles that couldn’t be accessed before, along with a fresh home experience, this update is designed to make discovering and playing games easier than ever. Let’s dive into the details of this significant overhaul and what it means for gamers.
A Storm of New Games
This latest update is nothing short of phenomenal, rolling out with a veritable treasure trove of new content. The Xbox app is excited to welcome a slew of PC games that were previously off-limits, including a range of titles from renowned Japanese studios like Kemco and Kairosoft, and excellent entries like The Invincible from Double 11. What’s fascinating is that over 100 of these titles support Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing players to seamlessly transition between their console and PC without breaking a sweat.
The Power of Universal Xbox Ownership
Chris Charla, the general manager of content curation and programs at Xbox, highlights the significance of this update in promoting universal Xbox ownership. “Universal Xbox ownership, as well as universal cloud saves on Xbox, along with cross-play capabilities, are indeed features that every gamer appreciates,” Charla remarks. With these enhancements, players can now enjoy a more integrated gaming experience that encourages them to dive into their favorite games across platforms.
Improving Discoverability
One of the most frustrating aspects of the Xbox app has been the difficulty in finding certain Xbox Play Anywhere games, which may not have been readily visible in the Microsoft Store. Thanks to the diligent efforts of the XboxEra community, Microsoft has taken notice and is working to enhance the app’s overall usability. The updates aim to fix this gaping hole in discoverability so players can easily uncover the gems hidden in the app.
Gradual Improvements Over Time
The Xbox app hasn’t just received a one-time update; Microsoft has been steadily enhancing its capabilities over the past year. From introducing handheld-focused improvements to making efforts to draw game developers into its ecosystem by significantly reducing its revenue cut from 30 percent to a mere 12 percent, Microsoft is clearly committed to creating an inviting atmosphere for gamers and developers alike.
Cross-Play and Beyond
Though there’s an extensive array of PC games supporting cross-play, many are still evading the grasp of the Xbox app and the Microsoft Store. By expanding the game library, Microsoft is working to bridge the gap and make these exciting titles accessible to all. Furthermore, there’s speculation whether we might soon see Steam, Epic Games Store, or even itch.io titles integrated within the Xbox app—a prospect that could further fuel the competition in the gaming arena.
A New User Interface Awaits
Accompanying the influx of new titles, Microsoft is also rolling out a revamped user interface for the Xbox app on Windows. This new UI emphasizes user-friendly navigation, featuring highlighted content from PC Game Pass and the Microsoft Store. Additionally, a nifty “jump back in” section allows gamers to dive back into their recent games, reminiscent of the user experience on an actual Xbox console.
What Lies Ahead
While it remains to be seen how this revolutionary shift will be received, many gamers are buzzing with excitement for the upcoming Xbox app developments. Stay tuned for more details, with Microsoft promising to share additional insights during the upcoming game developers conference in March.
Comparative Overview of Xbox App Enhancements
| Feature | Description |
| New Titles Added | Nearly 400 new games integrated, improving game library. |
| PC Game Pass Integration | Increased support for PC Game Pass titles. |
| Home UI Update | Revamped home experience for easier navigation. |
| Cross-play Functionality | Encouragement of cross-play support for users. |
| Game Discovery | Enhanced features for finding XBox Play Anywhere games. |
| Partner Collaborations | Working with game creators to expand the app’s offerings. |
| Deals and Discounts Section | New section highlighting exclusive offers for users. |
| Cloud Saves and Universal Ownership | Support for cloud saves and Xbox cross-ownership benefits. |
FAQ: Microsoft Aims to Establish Xbox App as the Central Hub for PC Gaming
What is the main purpose of the Xbox app update? Microsoft is enhancing the Xbox app on Windows to make it the primary destination for finding and playing PC games, introducing nearly 400 titles that were previously unavailable.
How many new games are being added to the Xbox app? The update includes approximately 400 new games, featuring titles from various developers, including Japanese studios.
What are Xbox Play Anywhere games? These are games that allow you to purchase the Xbox console version and play it on PC as well, taking advantage of cross-play features and shared cloud saves.
How has Microsoft improved the Xbox app’s usability? One major improvement is fixing the difficulty in finding Xbox Play Anywhere games, making them easier to discover within the app.
What does the new home UI include? The new home user interface showcases featured content from PC Game Pass and the Microsoft Store and includes sections for deals and discounts, along with a “jump back in” feature for quick access to recent games.
Is Microsoft planning to include games from other platforms in the Xbox app? Although currently, it focuses on its own titles, there are discussions about adding games from platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and itch.io in the future.
What features enhance cross-platform play? The Xbox app now supports cross-play between Xbox console and PC versions, allowing gamers to enjoy their favorite titles regardless of their chosen platform.
When can we expect more updates about the Xbox app? Microsoft has announced that more details will be showcased at the game developers conference in March, where further enhancements and features may be revealed.
