Microsoft could also be contemplating opening up the subsequent Xbox to PC sport shops. It’s a transfer that might assist the corporate shorten the hole between its Xbox console and gaming PCs. Which it’s performed to a sure diploma of late because of initiatives like Xbox Sport Cross. The imaginative and prescient for the way forward for Xbox will probably take issues a lot additional than this, although. A latest report from The Verge highlights hints from Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer that counsel the corporate has plans for a serious shift in how Xbox operates going ahead.
This shift focuses on opening up the Xbox platform, and permitting Xbox console house owners to primarily play PC video games. As The Verge’s Tom Warren places it, it appears like Microsoft is working to “mix the very best components of Home windows and Xbox for its next-generation console.” Microsoft hasn’t confirmed how any of this may take form. It has nevertheless made some feedback that might give gamers an thought of what Microsoft is contemplating.
In a latest interview with Polygon from late March, Spencer stated that he desires PC sport shops just like the Epic Video games Retailer and others on Xbox consoles. It’s a tall order that might finally profit the participant who owns an Xbox. However then once more, it’s nonetheless a course of that might take no small quantity of effort.
Bringing PC sport shops to the Xbox requires PC sport compatibility
That is going to be Microsoft’s first hurdle in turning this imaginative and prescient right into a actuality. Earlier than PC sport shops just like the Epic Video games Retailer could make it to the Xbox, these PC video games might want to work on Xbox. How would Microsoft make this all come collectively? That’s nonetheless unclear. Microsoft clearly hasn’t introduced any official plans. However the closest approximation of what Microsoft may need taken inspiration from is the Steam Deck. The Steam Deck runs on SteamOS which is predicated on Linux. To get all these Steam video games to work, Valve carried out Proton, a compatibility layer, so Home windows video games would work on its Linux-based system.
Microsoft might find yourself doing one thing like this for its subsequent Xbox console. And if it did, it could actually make issues loads simpler by way of bringing over PC sport shops. Spencer has been vocal prior to now about his ideas on platform exclusivity and taking a look at methods to maneuver away from that extra. With the ability to discover a strategy to open up the Xbox console to PC sport shops would go an extended strategy to making that occur.