Xbox PC store consolidation starts for select Insiders, integratingBattle.net, Steam, and additional platforms
Rewrapping the Xbox PC Game Unification
Get ready for the impending merger of Xbox PC gaming stores, now underway for selected members of the Xbox Insider Program on the brand-new Windows 11. While the new feature isn't universal yet, some of our team members are witnessing games from Battle.net, Epic Games Store, Steam, and more gracing the Xbox PC application. The presumably patchy rollout suggests there might be some A/B testing in progress or a slow, individualized distribution plan[1][2].
As it stands, visibility is inconsistent, with Steam titles such as Stellar Blade and Silent Hill 2 displaying notable low-resolution art. Launching any of these games triggers Steam, making this an initial, fledgling version of a launcher for your launcher, consolidating all titles in one location. Funnily enough, this also means that if you own several versions of a specific game across various storefronts, you'll see a lineup of your purchasable versions[2].
Microsoft is revving up its focus on gaming improvements for Windows 11, particularly in relation to the Xbox PC platform. This effort is anticipated to bear fruit before the unveiling of the Xbox Ally handheld gadgets this year[3]. Getting hands-on with the Xbox Ally X, I must admit I was blown away by its prowess with Gears of War: Reloaded[4].
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Jump aboard the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and revel in day-one Xbox gaming experiences, across consoles, PC, or even with the Cloud, on a variety of devices[5]. This subscription tier guarantees you won't miss a beat of the expanded service's offerings.
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Sources:
[1] - https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2022/08/18/xbox-pc-games-store-coming-to-windows-11/
[2] - https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2022/08/microsoft-unveils-plan-to-centralize-pc-game-stores/
[3] - https://venturebeat.com/2021/04/28/netflix-style-gaming-service-xbox-game-pass-set-to-launch-on-pc-consoles-this-year/
[4] - https://www.techradar.com/news/hands-on-with-xbox-ally-x
[5] - https://www.xbox.com/xbox-game-pass
- The upcoming unification of Xbox PC gaming stores is happening exclusively for selected Microsoft Xbox Insider Program members on Windows 11, and it includes games from Battle.net, Epic Games Store, Steam, and more.
- In this initial version of a launcher for your launcher, all titles are consolidated in one location, and launching a game triggers Steam, even if it's originally from other storefronts.
- Microsoft is working on gaming improvements for Windows 11, particularly with the Xbox PC platform, and this effort is projected to be completed before the expected release of the Xbox Ally handheld gadgets this year.
- The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription offers day-one Xbox gaming experiences across consoles, PC, or even on the Cloud, and ensures you won't miss out on the expanded service's offerings.
- Stay updated with the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox enthusiasts by subscribing to our website Newsletter.
