Microsoft's Xbox App Aims to Be PC Gaming's Home

Dec 11, 2024 at 5:44 PM
By Tom Warren, a senior editor and author with over 20 years of experience covering Microsoft, PC, and tech. Microsoft is on a mission to enhance the Xbox app on Windows by adding hundreds of previously unavailable PC games and introducing a new home experience. This move is part of a broader effort to make the Xbox app the go-to place for PC games, regardless of their association with PC Game Pass.

Unlock a World of PC Games with Microsoft's Xbox App Update

The Xbox App's New Homescreen

The updated Xbox app homescreen is a visual delight. It now showcases featured content from PC Game Pass and the Microsoft Store, along with collections of deals and discounts. This makes it easier for users to discover and access a wide range of gaming options. Additionally, the "jump back in" section allows players to quickly resume recent games, just like on an Xbox console. It's a seamless integration that enhances the overall gaming experience.

Microsoft has carefully curated this new homescreen to provide a more intuitive and engaging interface. The featured content catches the eye and entices users to explore the various gaming offerings. With the addition of collections of deals and discounts, players can also take advantage of great savings while expanding their game libraries.

Hundreds of New PC Games

Microsoft's update brings an impressive collection of over 400 new PC games. These include titles from renowned Japanese studios like Kemco and Kairosoft, as well as unique games like The Invincible by Double 11. More than 100 of these new titles are Xbox Play Anywhere, meaning that if you purchase the Xbox console version, you can also enjoy the Xbox PC version. This universal ownership feature, along with universal cloud saves on Xbox and cross-play between console and PC (at the developer's discretion), is a major draw for players.

The addition of these new games expands the gaming options available on the Xbox app significantly. It allows users to explore different genres and discover hidden gems. Whether you're a fan of strategy games, role-playing games, or casual titles, there's something for everyone in this extensive collection.

Fixing the Xbox Play Anywhere Issue

One of the major problems addressed by this update is the difficulty in finding Xbox Play Anywhere games within the Microsoft Store. The XboxEra community has been actively compiling lists of missing games, and it seems that Microsoft has been listening. With this update, these games are now more easily accessible within the Xbox app, making it a one-stop destination for Xbox Play Anywhere games.

This fix is a significant improvement for players who were previously frustrated by the lack of visibility of these games. It streamlines the gaming experience and ensures that users can find and enjoy the full range of Xbox Play Anywhere titles without any hassle.

Ongoing Improvements and Future Plans

Microsoft has been steadily improving its Xbox app over the past year, with a focus on handheld features. The company has also been making efforts to attract game developers to its Windows-based store, lowering its cut from 30 percent to 12 percent to stimulate PC gaming. Despite these initiatives, there are still many PC games with cross-play between Xbox and PC versions that are not part of the Microsoft Store or the Xbox app.

However, Microsoft appears to be working on bringing even more of these games into the Xbox app. It will be fascinating to see if the company takes the bold step of listing games from Steam, Epic Games Store, or itch.io in the Xbox app in the near future. Microsoft has stated that it will share more about its Xbox app plans at the game developers conference in March, which is sure to generate excitement among gamers.