For those of you still baffled by Microsoft’s distressing near neglect of its by now embarrassing Games for Windows service, this bit of news may shed some light on the matter. Apparently, the plan is to deeply integrate Windows 8 and Xbox Live, similar to the way the service has been integrated into Microsoft’s mobile offering, Windows Phone 7.
Microsoft’s Vision for a Unified Ecosystem
Microsoft VP Mike Delman is right in asserting that “whether it’s us or Apple or anybody else, people want to be able to navigate through multiple devices in a certain ecosystem very seamlessly so we’re committed to that.” This vision of a unified ecosystem is not just about convenience; it’s about creating a seamless user experience across all devices. Imagine starting a game on your Xbox console, continuing it on your Windows 8 PC, and then finishing it on your Windows Phone 7 device. This level of integration could revolutionize the way we interact with our digital content.
However, what people also want is for the service to actually be useful and add value to the experience of playing games on your OS. They also want to leverage their current collection of games, which for many resides on Steam. Steam has become a dominant platform for PC gaming, offering a vast library of games, frequent sales, and a robust community. For Microsoft to compete, it needs to offer something equally compelling.
The Challenges Ahead
So while a “pervasive” Xbox Live “across devices” sounds great, we’ll save our enthusiasm for when Microsoft has something to show in that direction. The integration of Xbox Live into Windows 8 could potentially bring features like achievements, friends lists, and multiplayer matchmaking to PC gamers. However, these features need to be implemented in a way that enhances the gaming experience rather than complicating it.
One of the significant challenges Microsoft faces is convincing gamers to switch from established platforms like Steam. Steam’s dominance in the PC gaming market is not just due to its extensive library but also its user-friendly interface, frequent updates, and community features. Microsoft will need to offer unique features or incentives to attract gamers to its platform.
Another challenge is ensuring that the integration is seamless and bug-free. Gamers are quick to abandon platforms that are plagued with technical issues. Microsoft will need to invest heavily in quality assurance and user testing to ensure that the integration works flawlessly from day one.
Moreover, Microsoft needs to consider the feedback from the gaming community. Gamers are passionate and vocal about their likes and dislikes. Engaging with the community through forums, social media, and beta testing can provide valuable insights and help Microsoft fine-tune its offering.
In addition to these challenges, Microsoft must also focus on exclusive content. Exclusive games and features can be a significant draw for gamers. By partnering with game developers and offering exclusive titles or early access to new games, Microsoft can create a compelling reason for gamers to choose its platform over others.
In conclusion, while the idea of a deeply integrated Xbox Live across Windows 8 and other devices is promising, Microsoft has a long road ahead. The company needs to address the challenges of competing with established platforms, ensuring a seamless user experience, and engaging with the gaming community. Only then can it hope to create a service that is not only useful but also adds significant value to the gaming experience.
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