Xbox App Now Launches Steam & Other PC Games
▼ Summary
– Microsoft has updated the Xbox PC app to integrate games from other major storefronts like Steam, Epic Games Store, and Battle.net, allowing users to launch them directly from the app.
– The app now includes a tab for apps to open other storefronts and web browsers, with settings to toggle which stores appear in the library.
– This update is timed to coincide with the launch of the ROG Xbox Ally handheld device on October 16, which will support the aggregated library feature.
– An upcoming update will sync cloud-playable games and recent play history across all devices, emphasizing cross-device functionality and controller support.
– The app currently lacks cover art and metadata for non-Xbox games, but this is seen as a significant step for the Xbox ecosystem with potential for future improvements.
Microsoft is transforming its Xbox application into a centralized hub for PC gaming, allowing users to launch titles from multiple storefronts directly through a single interface. This strategic move aims to simplify the gaming experience for players on both traditional computers and the growing market of Windows-based handheld devices. By unifying access to games from various platforms, the Xbox app reduces the need to switch between different launchers, creating a more streamlined and user-friendly environment.
Now available to all users, the feature was initially tested with Xbox Insiders starting in June. The app displays installed games from Steam, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, and several other digital storefronts. Players can start these games directly from the Xbox app, and a dedicated section shows recently played titles regardless of their original source. This integration means less time managing multiple applications and more time actually playing games.
The library view also includes a tab specifically for applications, enabling quick access to other store clients or web browsers. This makes it simple to install new games from outside the Xbox ecosystem without leaving the app. For those who prefer a cleaner interface, settings allow users to hide games from specific stores, offering control over what appears in their personal library.
Coinciding with these changes is the upcoming release of the ROG Xbox Ally handheld on October 16. Owners of this device will find the aggregated library particularly useful, as it provides a unified game launcher in a portable format. Later this month, an additional update will sync cloud-playable games and recent activity across all devices, further enhancing cross-platform functionality.
While other applications like GOG Galaxy and Playnite offer similar library aggregation, the Xbox app distinguishes itself with its emphasis on seamless cross-device synchronization. The interface also supports controller navigation, making it easy to browse and launch games entirely with a gamepad, a valuable feature for living room setups or handheld play.
Some limitations remain, such as the lack of cover art or metadata for non-Xbox titles. Selecting these games currently brings up a minimal screen with just a play button and a store link. Still, this represents a significant step forward for Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem, with future updates likely to refine and expand these capabilities.
(Source: Gamespot)
