Microsoft no longer wants to limit itself to a single platform or a single range of consoles. It has been clear for a while that the publisher primarily wants to sell games to as many players as possible, rather than reserving them for Xbox players - who, in any case, are fewer and fewer in number! This explains why Xbox exclusives, such as Forza Horizon 5, Indiana Jones and the Ancient Circle or even Gears of War (quite symbolic!) will be released or have been released on PS5.
Steam games in the Xbox app
The next step on this path: opening the doors to the Xbox app. On Windows, it has until now only listed games purchased from the Microsoft Store or downloaded from Game Pass. It is now becoming an aggregated game library. In concrete terms, this means that titles installed from third-party stores like Steam or Battle.net will automatically appear in the app's interface.
The idea is to create a single access point for all games installed on a PC or compatible portable device, such as ROG Ally handheld consoles. This new feature allows you to launch any game without having to switch between multiple launchers. Titles are also visible in the "My Library" tab and in the list of recently used games.
Microsoft plans to gradually expand support to other platforms such as the Epic Games Store or GOG. Users who wish can hide certain stores via the app settings. This new feature is currently intended for users participating in the Xbox Insider Hub program (it's free). The final version for the general public will likely be released before the end of the year.
There are also new features for Xbox consoles, particularly their home screen. Three new features now allow you to hide system apps, pin your favorite games, and reduce the number of thumbnails displayed. All of this can be adjusted in the personalization settings.
Game Hubs are available to everyone. These spaces display useful information about a game at a glance: statistics, online friends, recent captures, additional content, etc. The “Play” button is always highlighted to allow you to launch a title quickly.
Another major new feature: Copilot for Gaming, an AI assistant, is coming to the beta version of the Xbox mobile app (iOS and Android). Designed as a "gaming companion," Copilot can answer questions, give advice, offer videos, and even suggest new games. For example, you can ask it: "What materials do I need to make a sword in Minecraft?" or "I'm stuck on the Rougarou boss in South of Midnight, can you help me?". Will it replace online guides and YouTube videos? Nothing is less certain. But since Microsoft is absolutely determined to make Copilot universal, games were no exception. The publisher wants to make it a true contextual assistant, capable of eventually offering live coaching or ultra-personalized recommendations. The tool will also be integrated into Game Bar on PC and other Xbox products in the future.
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