Microsoft Studios VP Phil Spencer went on record in an Xbox One event that they intend to renew their focus on Windows as a gaming platform, bringing a slate of major first party titles.
This statement comes a few months after they closed Games for Windows Live’s Marketplace. The client was left operational so that players can still access and play previously purchased games, but the move was effectively an end to the Games for Windows brand.
Originally launched in 2006 to coincide with the launch of Vista, Games for Windows was a branding program involving certifying certain PC games met standardized technical standards. The idea was to maintain the platform in such a way that it would maintain a cadre of popular titles comparable to dedicated game consoles. It’s hard to pinpoint any particular reason why Games For Windows never caught on, but it may have simply failed to compete against Steam in the market.
Moving forward, Spencer cites the company’s new “One Microsoft” as rationale for this renewed focus. He claims they have already published the more casual games on Windows 8’s app store since its launch, and intend to bring more major titles shortly.
We already know Titanfall and Project Spark will be coming to both Xbox One and Windows, and it’s reasonable to assume the same will be true for Halo as well. If they are sincere about this “One Microsoft” philosophy, we may expect a sizable number of Xbox One titles to come to Windows through the years.
Is this possibly the long overdue reaction from Microsoft towards Steam, especially Steam Machines? Their slate for exclusive games would certainly give them an edge if they leverage it. Whatever the case, things may be looking up for gaming’s self-proclaimed master race.
Image is from Titanfall.
