Microsoft Announces Xbox Game Pass for PC
Microsoft launched its subscription-based Xbox Game Pass in 2017, and the service has proven popular with avid console gamers. There has always been limited PC integration with Microsoft-developed titles, but the company’s new initiative goes a step further. The new PC version of Game Pass will bring more than 100 games to PC on a subscription basis.
On the Xbox console, those on the Game Pass subscription have access to a few dozen games, including some new releases like Mortal Kombat X and Forza Horizon 4. These games usually appear on Game Pass on the same day as they arrive at retail. It’s important to note that this isn’t a streaming system like Microsoft’s upcoming xCloud product. Game Pass titles are downloaded in a traditional manner and played on your local hardware. You can continue playing them for as long as you keep paying the $10 monthly fee.
The newly unveiled PC version of Game Pass will be a similar setup: you download games to install on your PC and render them locally. That means you’ll need a capable gaming PC for Game Pass. Technically, this is an expansion of the PC capabilities already included in Game Pass. Some games available in Xbox Game Pass already work on Windows, but that’s mostly limited to Microsoft titles like Gears of War 4.
Microsoft has partnered with more than 75 developers to start including Bethesda, Deep Silver, Devolver Digital, Sega, and Paradox Interactive. Games on PC Game Pass will launch on the same day as the standard purchased versions. In titles that have DLC and consumable microtransactions, you’ll get up to 10 percent off those purchases. You also get up to 20 percent off the Microsoft Store on Windows.
There are still some details missing, and they happen to be vital details. For instance, we don’t know how much Xbox Game Pass on PC will cost. It’s only $10 on the Xbox, but that relies entirely on Microsoft’s hardware, and there aren’t as many games. With more than 100 titles, Microsoft might think it can get away with a higher price like $15-20 monthly. Microsoft was also unwilling to provide a specific launch date or full game list. It does say there will be more information available at E3 this year, which kicks off on June 11th.
Continue reading
Xbox Series X Launch Is Microsoft’s Biggest Ever, Causes ISP Traffic Spike
Microsoft claims the Xbox Series X is its most successful debut in history and specifically calls out the Xbox Series S for bringing new players into the fold.
Microsoft: Bethesda Games ‘Either First or Better’ on Xbox, Not Exclusive
Microsoft's Tim Stuart doesn't think the company will try to cut PS5 gamers out of future Bethesda titles. The company wants Xbox to be the best destination for its games, but not the only one.
Microsoft: Pluton Chip Will Bring Xbox-Like Security to Windows PCs
Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm are working to make Pluton part of their upcoming designs, which should make PCs more difficult to hack, but it also bakes Microsoft technology into your hardware.
Apple: ‘It’s Up to Microsoft’ to Get Windows Running on New ARM Macs
According to Apple, the question of supporting Windows on the M1 is entirely in Microsoft's court.