The Epic GamesStore is looking to make a significant move into the console space, with its head, Steve Allison, stating that the company intends to be available on Microsoft's next Xbox console from its launch day. This news suggests a potential shift towards a more open platform strategy for future Xbox hardware, allowing users to access a broader range of digital storefronts.
Allison's comments came during an interview where he discussed the evolving landscape of PC gaming hardware, specifically handheld devices like the Asus ROG Xbox Ally. These devices, while booting into an Xbox app, also provide access to other PC storefronts such as Steam, GOG, and Ubisoft Connect. This hybrid approach appears to be a key indicator of Microsoft's potential direction for its next console generation.
A New Era for Console Gaming?
Here's the thing: the idea of the Epic Games Store appearing natively on an Xbox console marks a major departure from traditional console ecosystems, which have historically been closed platforms. What most players miss is the implication this has for game discovery and player choice. If the next Xbox console truly embraces a hybrid PC-console model, it could mean players have direct access to the Epic Games Store's extensive library of PC titles, including its exclusive offerings, without needing a separate gaming PC.
Allison emphasized that discussions with Microsoft are ongoing, and the plan is contingent on Microsoft's continued policy of welcoming third-party storefronts. "We definitely plan to be on the new hardware for Xbox, because, unless their policy or stance on it changes, they are telling us they’re going to welcome that," Allison said. "And we’re going be there, like, on day one. That will probably require us to build in whatever their requirements are, some sort of software to support that."
Important
This move could significantly alter how console players purchase and access PC games, blurring the lines between console and PC gaming even further.
The Hybrid Console Vision
The speculation around Microsoft's next console has long pointed towards a hybrid system capable of playing both traditional Xbox console games and PC titles. Reports from tech analysts and comments from Xbox leadership have fueled this theory. Sarah Bond, Xbox president, previously hinted that the next console would share some of the "thinking" behind devices like the Asus ROG Xbox Ally, suggesting a focus on versatility and expanded access.
Initially, Epic's focus for handheld PCs like the Xbox Ally was to develop dedicated apps, as the current integration often directs users to the standard PC launcher. However, improving the core Epic Games Store and launcher remains the immediate priority before fully optimizing for these new form factors. The key here is that this foundational work will undoubtedly benefit any future console integration.
What This Means for Players
For players, the potential arrival of the Epic Games Store on the next Xbox console could bring several benefits:
- Increased Game Access: A wider selection of PC games, including Epic exclusives, directly on their console.
- More Choice: Players could choose where to purchase their digital games, potentially benefiting from competitive pricing or promotions across different storefronts.
- Unified Library: The possibility of a single platform to manage both console and PC game libraries.
Pro tip: This could also mean that certain web3 games, which often launch exclusively on PC storefronts or their own launchers, might find a more direct path to console players through the Epic Games Store integration, expanding their reach significantly.
Background on Epic's Store Strategy
Epic Games has been aggressively expanding the reach of its storefront, often through high-profile exclusive deals and free game giveaways to attract users. The company is also actively working to bring the Epic Games Store to mobile platforms, including iOS, further demonstrating its ambition to be a ubiquitous digital games marketplace. This console play aligns perfectly with that broader strategy, seeking to establish the Epic Games Store as a primary destination for game purchases across all major gaming devices.
Sources: Videogameschronicle
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does "day one" availability mean for the Epic Games Store on the next Xbox? It means the Epic Games Store would be accessible on the new Xbox console as soon as the console launches, potentially as a native app offering access to its PC game library.
Will this mean all Epic Games Store titles will be playable on the new Xbox? While the goal is to provide access to its PC game library, specific compatibility details would depend on the console's architecture and any software requirements Epic Games needs to meet.
How might this impact Microsoft's own Xbox Store? Introducing a competitor storefront could lead to increased competition in game pricing and offerings, potentially benefiting consumers with more choices and deals on digital titles.
