Microsoft is stepping up its game with the Xbox app on Windows, aiming to make it the central hub for PC gamers everywhere. With a massive update, the app now includes hundreds of PC games that were previously unavailable and introduces a fresh, user-friendly home experience. This move is part of Microsoftโs broader mission to unify PC gaming under the Xbox umbrella, whether or not the titles are part of PC Game Pass.
Hundreds of new games join the Xbox app
Chris Charla, Xboxโs general manager of content curation and programs, shared the companyโs vision: โEarlier this summer, we began working with partners to bring all PC games with Xbox features into the Xbox app. Weโre excited about the future of Xbox games on Windows PC and thrilled to welcome nearly 400 titles previously undiscoverable or unpurchasable in the Xbox app.โ
The new additions include games from renowned Japanese studios like Kemco and Kairosoft and popular titles like The Invincible by Double 11. More than 100 are Xbox Play Anywhere titles. This feature lets you purchase the game once and play it on both Xbox consoles and Windows PCs. Universal Xbox ownership also includes shared cloud saves and cross-play between Xbox and PC versions. Charla emphasised how much players value these features.
This update addresses a significant issue with the Xbox app: finding Xbox Play Anywhere games has been challenging, even though they might already exist on the Microsoft Store. The XboxEra community, known for curating lists of missing games, appears to have influenced Microsoftโs decision to bridge this gap.
Microsoft improves the Xbox app experience
Over the past year, Microsoft has steadily improved the Xbox app, introducing updates catering to handheld gaming and refining the user interface. To attract more game developers to its platform, Microsoft lowered its revenue share for PC games from 30% to just 12%. This bold move aims to disrupt the PC gaming market, offer developers a better deal, and expand the Xbox ecosystem.
Despite these changes, many PC games that support cross-play between Xbox and PC versions still need to be added to the Xbox app. However, Microsoftโs recent actions signal its intent to include even more games. Speculation about whether Microsoft might eventually list games from competing platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, or itch.io in the Xbox app is rife.
A new home UI rolls out
Alongside these updates, Microsoft has introduced a redesigned home UI for the Xbox app on Windows. The new interface features curated content from PC Game Pass and the Microsoft Store, as well as collections of deals and discounts. Thereโs also a โjump back inโ section, allowing you to quickly resume recently played gamesโjust like on Xbox consoles.
Microsoft will share more about its future Xbox app plans at the Game Developers Conference in March. For now, these updates mark a significant step in creating a seamless experience for PC gamers and further establishing the Xbox app as the go-to destination for all things gaming on Windows.
