Microsoft Plans To Release All Of Its Forthcoming Xbox One Games On The PC

When Microsoft released Windows 10 last summer, it delivered one of the most substantial OS updates we’ve ever seen in the history of Windows. While there is much to dislike about some directions Microsoft took (especially with regards to privacy), it’s hard to argue that overall, the OS is quite solid. It’s fast, looks great, and can even interact with the Xbox One – one thing most people wouldn’t have anticipated.

What we’re sure almost no one anticipated is the level of interactivity we’d actually end up seeing. In the time since Windows 10’s release, we’ve seen Microsoft warm up to the idea of expanding the Xbox universe. One thing that’s led to is the ability to stream your Xbox One to your PC, an awesome feature for when a family member takes over the TV to watch their awful reality show. Today, we learn that Microsoft isn’t stopping there with its Xbox One expansion:

Going forward, Microsoft plans to release all of its own published games for Windows 10.

At this point, it seems like Microsoft can only guarantee that only the games it’s associated with will come to the PC, but in time, we could see other game developers and publishers opt-in as well. Microsoft’s “Universal Windows Platform” will help with that, as it will allow developers to make games for both platforms with less fuss – and who wouldn’t fancy the idea of increasing sales?

To help kick this newfound openness off, Microsoft is porting a game from a series that a countless number of PC racing fans have always wanted to see: Forza. The upcoming title is called Forza Motorsport 6: Apex, and it’s effectively a slimmed-down version of the full-blown Forza Motorsport 6 for the Xbox One. “Slimmed-down” means that some cars and events are missing, but otherwise, the game is large, with a promise of an 8-hour campaign mode. There is also a track that’s exclusive to this version, which is odd given the omissions. Nonetheless, given that the game is going to be $0.00 when it comes out, there won’t be much room for complaint.

Oh, and yes: it supports both DirectX 12 and 4K resolutions:

This game’s pending release is an interesting one thanks to its use of DirectX 12. A couple of years ago, after DirectX 12 was first announced, Microsoft ported Forza Motorsport 5 to the PC to act as a DX12 demo. Given that, it’s awesome to know that all future Forza titles will grace the PC (at least if it’s running Windows).

Other Xbox One games that are either here right now or are coming include Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, Killer Instinct, and Quantum Break.

If there’s just one thing to not look forward to here, it’s that Microsoft is likely to tie all of these games to its Windows Store. That’s not to say that the Windows Store is poor, but when so many gamers are heavily invested in Steam, Microsoft is going to be fighting an uphill battle to get gamers to open up to its own store.

Let’s just hope its store never becomes as bad as Games for Windows Live. Blech.