Microsoft has faced its share of criticism from the PC gaming community, often justifiably so. Frequent updates to Windows can lead to unexpected crashes and the removal or alteration of beloved features in the Control Panel, leaving many users feeling disoriented. While some changes are met with resistance, there have been notable missteps that have taken years for Microsoft to rectify.
Pushing Games to UWP
In the mid-2010s, Microsoft embarked on an ambitious journey to unify its operating systems under a single umbrella. This vision included the Universal Windows Platform (UWP), designed to allow applications to run seamlessly across various devices. However, this initiative faced significant backlash, particularly from gamers. UWP installations restricted access to game files, preventing modding and complicating the use of third-party software. The introduction of UWP apps also meant that many games were released in dual formats—one for the Microsoft Store and another for alternative platforms—leading to performance discrepancies based on the storefront chosen.
Despite the initial enthusiasm for UWP, many developers opted to bypass it altogether, leading to a gradual dismantling of the platform. By 2019, Microsoft began to reintroduce Win32 games through the Xbox app and Microsoft Store, marking a significant shift back towards a more open gaming environment. This transition has allowed gamers to enjoy a more integrated experience, as seen with titles like Avowed, which can now be easily accessed through Game Pass.
DirectX 10 and Windows Vista
DirectX 10, while a significant update in its own right, suffered from a short-lived existence primarily due to its exclusivity to Windows Vista. This version of DirectX introduced essential features but was overshadowed by the popularity of its predecessor, DirectX 9, and the subsequent DirectX 11. The lack of backward compatibility and the unpopularity of Vista meant that developers were reluctant to create games specifically for DirectX 10, resulting in a mere handful of titles that utilized it.
The unfortunate fate of DirectX 10 serves as a reminder of how crucial operating system reception is to the success of new technologies. With only 87 games developed for it, DirectX 10 remains a footnote in the history of gaming APIs, overshadowed by its more successful counterparts.
Games for Windows Live
Perhaps one of Microsoft’s most infamous ventures into the gaming realm was Games for Windows Live (GFWL). Intended to bring the Xbox Live experience to PC gamers, GFWL quickly became synonymous with frustration. The service’s reliance on a closed ecosystem led to significant accessibility issues, particularly for those with physical copies of games that required GFWL for activation.
As GFWL’s servers were eventually shut down, many titles became unplayable, forcing developers to re-release games or abandon them altogether. The notorious case of Grand Theft Auto IV illustrates the long-lasting implications of GFWL, as it was delisted from digital storefronts due to the inability to generate new activation keys. The closed nature of GFWL also meant that players could not transfer their save data or achievements, further alienating a dedicated fanbase.
Despite these setbacks, Microsoft has made strides to improve the gaming experience on Windows. The current landscape is more stable than ever, with a focus on user choice and compatibility. Features like Auto HDR and DirectStorage have been integrated into Windows 11, enhancing the overall gaming experience. While challenges remain, the shift towards a more open and user-friendly environment marks a significant evolution in Microsoft’s approach to gaming on the PC.
