Universal Windows Platform or UWP was one of the biggest dreams of Microsoft. They wanted everyone to build universal apps for Windows PC, so it works on every platform, including Xbox. It looks like Microsoft is finally giving up on it, with the announcement that the Microsoft Store will host native Win32 game apps as well.
Microsoft Store will host native Win32 game apps
The company had been working hard to make sure Windows 10 also offers powerful gaming experience. They have the incredible Xbox Game App, and native integration to Mixer, the game streaming platform, and so on. The missing piece was to get all the games to Store, but UWP was the hurdle.
Today, Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox, shared that Microsoft is going to enable full support for native Win32 games to the Microsoft Store on Windows. Here is the full statement:
We recognize that Win32 is the app format that game developers love to use and gamers love to play, so we are excited to share that we will be enabling full support for native Win32 games to the Microsoft Store on Windows. This will unlock more options for developers and gamers alike, allowing for the customization and control they’ve come to expect from the open Windows gaming ecosystem.
Its a significant shift in terms of thinking & strategy. Microsoft has finally realized the porting or not porting, native Windows code not only works faster, and there is no way UWP can offer the same level of features and customization. Also makes developers worry less. Except for Xbox and Windows, there is no other major platform where one needs to deploy.
When it comes to gaming on Windows 10 PC, it’s a different ball game. There is a reason why people like to download the game from Steam and other similar places.
In coming months, I am sure Microsoft will start decoupling UWP parts from everywhere, and keep what is right.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for Windows PC
Followed by this, the next announcement by Xbox was no brainer. Microsoft has announced Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for Windows PC. It will offer full Xbox Game Pass library of over 100 high-quality games, and Xbox Live Gold online multiplayer. The membership will cost $14.99 a month. As of now, Microsoft has invited a few insiders to try it out before releasing it to the public.
Read more at Xbox News.
