Back in the Xbox One generation, Microsoft unveiled a feature in the form of Xbox Play Anywhere that would allow you to purchase a game on your Xbox console and also get the Windows 10 version for free via the Xbox PC app.
We're now multiple years into the lifespan of Play Anywhere, and while I've actually been using it more than ever in 2023, I can't help but wish it supported more games. It's a fantastic feature, and the first-party support isn't bad at all (the likes of Starfield and Forza Motorsport are included), but third-party integration is somewhat spotty.
I'm not the only person who seems to think this. In a recent interview with Windows Central, Xbox boss Phil Spencer told the outlet that Xbox Play Anywhere had "been a long term part of our strategy", but he didn't think Xbox had made enough progress with it over time. He also highlighted its importance following the recent rise of handheld PCs.
With the likes of the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, Xbox owners can use the Play Anywhere functionality to access their games portably without having to purchase them again. That's a massive win right out of the gate, and it would be even more impressive if the library of supported titles had grown more substantially over time.
The thing is though, times have changed. Xbox Play Anywhere was a product of the Xbox One generation, and you won't find much marketing material about it from the past few years. Xbox does have an official list of all Play Anywhere supported titles, but it seems to be missing a lot of them - the whole program supports around 500 games in all.
I understand the barriers to entry as well. Why would Larian Studios want to give away Baldur's Gate 3 on PC when they could benefit from a second purchase instead? In some cases it makes sense, but in others I can see why publishers would be reluctant to support a feature that may result in a loss of sales.
The future of Xbox Play Anywhere is probably leaning more towards Xbox Cloud Gaming, with Microsoft mentioning on multiple occasions that we'll be able to stream non-Game Pass titles in the future. When that happens, will Play Anywhere be dead in the water? I personally hope not, but I could definitely see it going that way in the coming years.
What are your thoughts on Xbox Play Anywhere? Let us know down in the comments section below.
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[source windowscentral.com]
Comments 15
Garbage anything cloud based is
@Dan1283 I guess you won't be participating in modern gaming in 3 to 5 years. It's ok, I'm right there with you. Even though I've been playing some cloud gaming lately, because I'm visiting my mom and she only has a One X. I've been playing some Series X only games on it and it works surprisingly well. I actually forgot I was using cloud gaming a few times.
It would great if you were able to stream any game you own digitally
Microsoft’s Xbox future world with all this play anywhere, cloud, GP & all device etc.
Sounds amazing, one thing it takes more resources, longer to develop games and costs more.
This is really why others don’t always want to participate, even the other main 2.
It’s a lot easier to make a game for one console then get it out the door and start to see return on investment. That’s is how simple games and development was years ago. No wonder we see articles about game cost increases etc, there can be so much to do in this modern age for single game.
@ZYDIO if the connection is perfect then I have no problem with it bit not how it is at the minute
@ZYDIO I'm sure people were saying that 3-5 years ago.
@eire-shabba You can if you stream from your console located elsewhere, which is technically cloud gaming and your own Xbox is the server. I get what you are saying though, I wish it was that way too and it might be at some point when they get it perfected.
Personally, I doubt we will see it. A big reason is that the game will need a Windows Store version of the game, and a lot of publishers don't want to bother doing that. Other is simply desire to tap on double-dippers. From the publisher's perspective, they are making the game twice and the only ones ripping the rewards are Microsoft and end users, not them.
Perhaps MS could sweeten the deal, if the game is offered as a Play Anywhere title, they get a few extra percentage points in rev-share above the standard 70%/30%.
@ZYDIO My understanding is that the holdup on this is due to legalities, not technical issues. Just as how Nvidia cant stream to you games you own without the authorization of the publisher.
Microsoft should take inspiration from Valve in this regard. The integration between the Steam Deck and Steam desktop client is undeniably impressive. Cloud streaming would be fine as an additional option, but would be a very lousy replacement for native Play Anywhere support.
Well the Xbox pc store sxcks. It doesn't have the features that steam has, which is why I'll only buy from the steam store. Also the xbox store doesn't support PS5 controller while the steam version of that game does. But there are a few games that work with the PS5 controller.
Capcom is one third-party that's good about play anywhere. I got RE7 for Xbox and didn't realize that I could also play on PC if I wanted. That was pretty cool!
This feature is huge and is something that I really wanted for decades. As soon as I first played Oblivion, it was obvious. Fantastic game, atrocious (IMO) performance. I immediately wanted the option to play on PC. Buying another copy of games was simply not a practical solution. That is the other side of the coin — day-and-date PC/console releases.
It will grow and grow but could do with more right now. I’ve noticed a real sea change in Xbox recently though. Much more marketing of Xbox and games and I think 2024 will be an amazing year - let’s face it, despite what some may say @fraser 2023 has been an incredible year for gaming on Xbox!
Think play anywhere, Game Pass and more will grow and grow.
Anyone who thinks Xbox is about to die is very wide of the mark!
Easily the best feature in gaming if you like playing on both console and PC.
I don't even buy Xbox games on the Xbox App on PC as its rubbish compared to Steam, and weirdly Xbox's own games are even more expensive on it than Steam. These days I choose whether I want to play a game on my console or PC as whilst this had good intentions, far too many games are missing to make it a consideration
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