Today at the Game Developers Conference, Xbox head Phil Spencer talked about the future of video games as it relates to Xbox and Windows 10. Aiming to make experiences "better than ever" for developers, Microsoft has a "unified vision for gaming" in which Windows 10 is not only supported by, but integrated with Microsoft's Xbox and tablet businesses.
"That starts with making the development process easier by providing the tools and support our developers have asked for to reach billions of devices around the world," Xbox said post-presentation.
For starters, a new Xbox Live SDK for Windows 10 is being released to some "early adopter" developers, with a full rollout of the API on track to release within the next 12 months. This will provide access to the "vast majority" of Xbox Live services currently available on Xbox One, under a shared set of APIs, integrated with the Windows Store. Additionally, in an effort to make Xbox Live accessible to all game developers, Microsoft is introducing a new tier of Xbox Live that's designed to allow any developer to engage with the Xbox Live community.
Spencer also spoke about the Windows Universal App Platform, which allows developers to create the same game for multiple devices, making it "easier than ever" to bring content to PCs, tablets, phones, Xbox consoles, and even future Windows 10 devices like the HoloLens.
Microsoft is also implementing a number of features for the Windows Store that will not only make things easier for developers, but allow them to expand their audience reach. Things like "Cross-buy" — which allows the consumer to buy the game on one device and get it for free on another (Sony already does this across its PlayStation devices) — will add "more flexibility" for developers. And with a Universal Development Center acting as the developer portal to "building and delivering games to the Windows Store," game submission and game updating will be faster, more lightweight, and within the developer's direct control. The hub UDC will also provide access to "key metrics" that allow developers to understand their game's performance.
Focusing a bit on consumers, all wireless Xbox gaming accessories will be designed for and supported on both Xbox One consoles and Windows 10 PCs moving forward.
Already embracing this unified vision, a number of games announcements have been made for Xbox One and Windows 10, including Elite: Dangerous coming to Xbox One, a new action MOBA Gigantic with cross-play between Windows 10 and Xbox One, Pinball FX2 for Windows 10, and cross-device multiplayer for Super Dungeon Bros.
"This is just a first look at some of the exciting updates coming that will make gaming even better on Windows 10 and Xbox. We will continue to gather feedback from the game development community on our plans to ensure the games and content on Windows 10 and Xbox is the best it can be for gamers and for developers," Xbox concluded.
