Xbox PC App Now Integrates Steam and Other Game Stores
▼ Summary
– Microsoft is launching a new aggregated gaming library in its Xbox PC app that includes games from Steam, Battle.net, and other PC storefronts.
– The updated app, now available to all users, serves as a launcher for installed PC games and is part of Microsoft’s strategy to make the Xbox app central to PC gaming.
– Games from supported storefronts automatically appear in the app’s “My Library” and “Most Recent” lists for quick access.
– A new “My Apps” section allows users to install and launch third-party apps like browsers and gaming utilities, primarily aimed at handheld devices.
– Later this month, the app will add cloud-playable games and a synced game history feature across Xbox consoles, PC, and handhelds.
Microsoft has launched a major update to its Xbox PC app, introducing a unified gaming library that now incorporates titles from Steam, Battle.net, and other third-party storefronts. This enhancement effectively transforms the Xbox app into a centralized hub for managing and launching games installed across multiple PC platforms, streamlining access for players who use various digital storefronts.
Previously available to Xbox Insiders during a testing phase, the aggregated library is now accessible to all users of the Xbox PC app on Windows. While designed with the upcoming Xbox Ally handheld devices in mind, the feature underscores Microsoft’s broader strategy to position the Xbox app as a comprehensive center for PC gaming.
Jason Beaumont, Vice President of Experiences at Xbox, explains that supported games automatically populate both the “My Library” section and the “Most Recent” list in the app’s sidebar. This allows users to resume gameplay with minimal effort, creating a more cohesive and user-friendly experience.
In addition to the library integration, a new “My Apps” segment has been introduced, enabling the installation and launch of third-party applications such as web browsers, gaming utilities, and even competing store clients. This functionality is particularly tailored for handheld devices, where ease of access and multi-store support are increasingly important.
Later this month, Microsoft plans to further expand the app’s capabilities by incorporating cloud-playable titles and a synced game history feature. This will allow players to view their recent gameplay across Xbox consoles, PC, and handheld devices, making it simpler to continue sessions across different hardware. Beaumont notes that users can expect a “Jump back in” list on their home screens, offering a seamless way to pick up right where they left off.
(Source: The Verge)
