Phil Spencer confirmed during Microsoft’s GDC briefing that developers will be able to create games though one core operating system, one application platform, one gaming social network, one store and one ingestion path across all Windows 10 devices. These include PC’s tablets, phones, Xbox consoles and the Microsoft HoloLens. Any developer will be able to create a single project to target multiple devices. The company also confirmed that all wireless Xbox gaming accessories will support both Xbox One and Windows 10 PC’s. Later this year, Microsoft will ship a Wireless Adapter allowing you to easily sync Xbox controllers and future wireless devices to your PC.
Microsoft is committed to making the Windows Store truly universal with Windows 10 delivering the best for gamers and game developers. Developers can distribute their games across Xbox One, PC’s, phones and so forth. With the ability of cross-purchase, you’ll be able to buy a game and have it across all of your devices. The Xbox Live SDK will provide a number of Xbox Live services under a shared set of API’s integrated with the Windows 10, making the platform accessible to all game developers regardless of size.
The Universal Developer Center acts as a portal, allowing developers ease for game submission and update capabilities as well as access to key metrics to understand a games performance. Developers will also be able to utilize Microsoft SDK’s including Xbox Live and HoloLens API’s once available. Phil confirmed that developers will be able to build apps on Xbox One with the SDK rolling out starting today with the first apps expected to launch in November.
DirectX 12 increases the power of the Xbox One GPU by 20% as seen by Lionhead Studios who are creating Fable Legends for Xbox One and Windows 10. Fable Legends is using Unreal Engine 4. Epic Games is also creating Universal Tournament using Unreal Engine 4 running on DirectX 12, setting a new standard for PC Gaming.
Microsoft is also vastly expanding ID@Xbox by bringing it to Windows 10 and in the future, HoloLens. We’ve already seen Gigantic announced for Xbox One and Windows 10. Shovel Knight also ported their game to Xbox One in just one day with cross-platform play along with the added bonus of Battletoads characters. Elite Dangerous is also coming to Xbox One this Summer, created by Frontier Developers, the people behind ScreamRide. Other Ocean also confirmed that #IDARB will support Windows 10 and Xbox One cross-platform.
