During Microsoft’s Game Developers Conference (GDC) presentation earlier this week, Xbox chief, Phil Spencer, announced that Microsoft will be implementing cross-buy and cross-play functionality between ID@XBOX and Windows 10. The idea of cross-buying and cross-playing, the practice of purchasing and experiencing content on one platform and having it available at no extra cost on other platforms from the same manufacturer, was a success for Sony with their home and portable systems. Microsoft is now looking to give the same convenience to its own consumer base.
This is exciting news for both consumers and developers, and should spur growth and confidence in Microsoft gaming platforms. Now developers will be able to produce content that they know their customers will be more inclined to buy and play due to greater accessibility and network play with friends. They’ve also listed a significant lineup of independent titles to commemorate the announcement.
From the official announcement at xbox.com:
- #IDARB (Other Ocean): In its developer’s own words, #IDARB is “a chaotic 8-player eSport jumping jetpack future arena ball game.” That’s about as accurate a description as any we’ve heard. #IDARB will feature cross-play with the Xbox One version of the game.
- Ashen (Aurora44): In this third-person action-role-playing game, you are a lone wanderer in a sunless land.
- Bierzerkers (Shield Break Studios): It’s a team-based, multiplayer combat game set in the Viking afterlife. Prepare for battle!
- Cuphead (Studio MDHR): A run-and-gun adventure, with plenty of 1930s style to it.
- Divinity: Original Sin (Larian Studios): One of the most critically acclaimed role-playing games of 2014 arrives on Windows 10 PCs. Hooray!
- Dungeons & Dragons: Sword Coast Legends (n-Space/Digital Extremes): Four players can participate in a campaign managed by a live, human Dungeon Master on a fifth PC, in real-time. Now this is D&D.
- Game 4 (The Behemoth): The Behemoth brings their inimitable style to turn-based strategy! Game 4 will feature cross-play with the Xbox One version of the game.
- Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime (Asteroid Base): Jump in your neon battleship and explore the galaxy in this frantic co-op action game.
- Pillars of Eternity (Obsidian Entertainment/Paradox Interactive): It’s a classic RPG inspired by the likes of Baldur’s Gate and Icewind Dale – and that’s pretty much all we need to hear to be excited about this one.
- Pinball FX2 (Zen Studios): It’s the most powerful virtual pinball platform in existence – and if you’ve never played Pinball FX2, there’s never been a better time to jump on board!
- Shovel Knight (Yacht Club Games): Steel thy shovel! The amazing retro sidescrolling adventure comes to Windows 10 PCs, with special guest stars courtesy of Rare, The Battletoads!
- Siegecraft Commander (Blowfish Studios): Sharp mechanics and positional tactics combine to form one of the coolest strategic games we’ve ever seen. Siegecraft will feature cross play with the Xbox One version of the game!
- Super Dungeon Bros (React! Games/Wired Productions): A multiplayer dungeon-crawling extravaganza with a rock music theme. Get your bros together and get ready to rock out! SDB will feature cross play with the Xbox One version of the game.
- SWORDY (Frogshark): In this multiplayer physics brawler, you will hit your friends until they explode. You really have to see this one to wrap your head around this craziness.
- The Long Dark (Hinterland Games): The lights have gone out, and they’re not coming back. This survival simulation gives you a front seat to the end of the world.
- This War of Mine (11 Bit Studios): In war, not everyone is a soldier – and in this unique tale, you play as a group of ordinary citizens who are just trying to survive.
- Wasteland 2 (inXile Entertainment): The sequel to one of the most beloved post-apocalyptic RPGs ever made is coming to Windows 10!
A quick look over the announced games is encouraging to say the least and there are surely many more announcements to look forward to in the coming months.
