This is a summary of my Xbox Developer Summit keynote address, delivered March 11 at the 2026 Game Developer Conference
Summary
- Our team is deep in development on our next-generation Xbox console, Project Helix. We are pushing the boundaries of rendering and simulation in partnership with AMD, using FSR Next to power what comes next.
- Starting in April, Xbox mode will begin rolling out to Windows in select markets. It brings a familiar Xbox experience to players while keeping the flexibility and openness of Windows.
- For developers, the Xbox Play Anywhere catalog now spans more than 1,500 games, creating a powerful opportunity to reach players seamlessly across console and Windows.
The characters, worlds, and stories crafted by developers worldwide have been instrumental in shaping every chapter of Xbox’s journey. As we commemorate 25 years of Xbox this year, I extend a heartfelt thank you to the developers, both past and present, who have contributed to defining Xbox’s legacy. This includes the more than 5,000 developers currently engaged in creating for Xbox.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to innovation as we embark on the next 25 years. Our team is diligently working on Project Helix, our next-generation first-party console, designed to seamlessly play both Xbox console and PC games. This console promises to deliver leading performance, ushering in a new era of console gaming.
In collaboration with AMD, we are redefining the future of rendering and simulation. Project Helix is powered by a custom AMD SoC, co-designed for the next generation of DirectX and FSR, unlocking unprecedented capabilities. This initiative represents a significant leap in ray tracing performance and efficiency, integrating intelligence directly into the graphics and compute pipeline. The outcome is a more realistic, immersive, and dynamic gaming experience.
I am thrilled to announce that we plan to ship alpha versions of the hardware to developers beginning in 2027.
Moreover, we are dedicated to preserving the playability of games from four generations of Xbox for years to come. In celebration of our 25th anniversary later this year, we will introduce new ways to enjoy some of the most iconic titles from our history.
As gaming increasingly transcends devices, we are dismantling the barriers between console and PC games, facilitating a more seamless cross-device experience. This approach not only ensures a consistent Xbox experience across screens but also provides developers with a streamlined path to reach a broader audience while minimizing development costs.
We are leveraging our extensive experience in building a leading gaming OS and integrating it directly into Windows for the benefit of both players and developers. Following the debut of an early version with the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, I am excited to announce that we will be introducing Xbox mode to Windows 11 starting in April, initially in select markets. This mode allows players to effortlessly transition between productivity and gaming, offering a familiar full-screen, controller-optimized Xbox experience while embracing the openness of Windows.
This year, Xbox boasts an impressive lineup of game releases, featuring the return of beloved first-party franchises like Halo and Gears of War, alongside major titles from our global partners and innovative creations from independent developers such as Mixtape by Beethoven & Dinosaur and Crimson Desert from Pearl Abyss.
Players will have the opportunity to enjoy these games and more across various devices, whether through purchases, subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass, or other leading storefronts. Xbox Play Anywhere enables games to transition seamlessly across screens, ensuring that progress is retained and that players need only purchase a game once. The Xbox Play Anywhere catalog has expanded to over 1,500 games, with 500 development teams already having released titles under this initiative.
This marks merely the beginning of the next generation and the next 25 years of Xbox. We eagerly anticipate sharing more developments later this year. As we continue to listen, learn, and collaborate with the industry and our community, we extend our gratitude for being an integral part of this journey and for making gaming a uniquely enduring experience.
