Microsoft is enhancing the Xbox app on Windows, introducing hundreds of previously unavailable PC games and a revamped user experience. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to establish the Xbox app as the primary destination for PC gaming, whether or not the titles are included in the PC Game Pass subscription.
New Titles and Features
Chris Charla, the general manager of content curation and programs at Xbox, shared insights into this development: “Earlier this summer, we began working with partners to bring all PC games with Xbox features into the Xbox app. We’re super excited to see what Xbox games come to Windows PC from game creators in the future and to welcome nearly 400 titles that previously weren’t discoverable or purchasable in the Xbox app.”
The update introduces a diverse array of 400 new games, featuring contributions from renowned Japanese studios such as Kemco and Kairosoft, as well as notable titles like The Invincible by Double 11. Among these, over 100 games are classified as Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing players to enjoy the same title across both Xbox consoles and PCs seamlessly.
Charla emphasized the appeal of features like universal Xbox ownership, cloud saves, and cross-play capabilities, which enhance the gaming experience across platforms. This update addresses a significant challenge users faced in locating Xbox Play Anywhere games that were previously hidden within the Microsoft Store.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
The XboxEra community has actively compiled lists of games that were missing from the Xbox app, and it appears that Microsoft has taken their feedback seriously. Over the past year, the company has been steadily refining its Xbox app, incorporating improvements aimed at handheld devices as well.
In a bid to attract game developers to its Windows-based store, Microsoft has lowered its revenue share from 30 percent to just 12 percent, a move designed to invigorate the PC gaming landscape. Despite these efforts, many PC games with cross-play capabilities between Xbox and PC remain absent from the Microsoft Store and the Xbox app. However, Microsoft is now focusing on integrating more of these titles into the Xbox app, raising speculation about the potential inclusion of games from platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, or itch.io in the future.
Further updates regarding the Xbox app are anticipated at the upcoming game developers conference in March. Alongside the new game additions, Microsoft is also unveiling a fresh home UI for the Xbox app on Windows, showcasing featured content from PC Game Pass and the Microsoft Store, as well as curated collections of deals and discounts. A new “jump back in” section will allow users to quickly resume their recent gaming sessions, mirroring the functionality available on Xbox consoles.
Update, December 11th: Article updated with details on the Xbox app changes.
