Microsoft is advancing its Project Helix initiative, recently unveiling the alpha version of its new console hardware at the Game Developers Conference (GDC). Chris Carla, who previously led the ID@Xbox program and now serves as the general manager of portfolio and programs at Xbox, shared insights with IGN on how game developers can gear up for the next generation of Xbox titles.
Breaking Down Barriers
During GDC, Microsoft emphasized that Project Helix aims to dismantle the traditional boundaries between console and PC gaming. The forthcoming Xbox consoles will uniquely support both Xbox and PC games, marking a significant milestone in gaming history. However, questions linger regarding the rationale for developers to invest in creating “native” Project Helix titles, especially if the platform can seamlessly run games from Steam and other digital storefronts.
Carla articulated Microsoft’s vision of enabling developers to create a single game build that functions across various platforms, including PC, Project Helix, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. “We’re working hard so developers can make one Xbox build in the future and it’ll run on their Project Helix console, on PC, and on streaming and cloud surfaces like smart TVs and other devices,” he explained to IGN.
A Familiar Concept
This “build once, runs everywhere” philosophy echoes the now-defunct universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps that struggled to gain traction a decade ago. On the Xbox side, Microsoft previously launched the Xbox Play Anywhere initiative, which allowed developers to market the same game for both Xbox and PC, complete with cross-save functionality. Despite the current availability of over 1,500 games supporting Xbox Play Anywhere, developer adoption has been tepid.
“Someone looking to be ready for next-gen with Xbox should be developing for Xbox console today, developing for Xbox on PC, and supporting Xbox Play Anywhere,” Carla advised. “That’ll put you in pole position for the next generation and ensure your Xbox on PC game runs natively on Project Helix.”
Optimizing for Project Helix
For PC game developers new to the Xbox ecosystem, Carla noted that focusing on the PC build initially may be the most efficient approach before optimizing for Project Helix. “In a lot of cases, if you’re coming from a Steam or stock PC build, it may be smarter to start with the Xbox for PC version first and then use that as the basis for the Xbox console version,” he elaborated. “Of course, we’ll have more details about how developers can take advantage of the specific hardware features of Project Helix in the months ahead, but doing this ensures they’ll have a native build on Project Helix.”
Despite these advancements, the implications of Project Helix may still perplex console gamers who anticipate a more curated experience. Developers might find little incentive to produce “native” Project Helix games if their existing PC titles perform well on the new console. Furthermore, Microsoft has yet to clarify whether it will maintain its online multiplayer paywall for Project Helix games, a policy that could seem inconsistent if PC games on Helix do not face similar restrictions.
