- At the GDC, Microsoft confirmed that next-gen Xbox video games will be built on PC first.
- This highlights the gaming giant’s approach to close in on the Xbox and PC ecosystem.
- Project Helix would also likely be a PC in a console shell, with this decision further solidifying the rumors.
The first details for Project Helix were revealed at the GDC today, and it seems Microsoft is also taking an entirely different approach to video game development.
Specifically, video games built for the next-gen Xbox will be developed on PC first, practically confirming that Project Helix itself would be a PC as per previous reports.
Why it matters: Currently, there’s a major debate within the industry over whether Project Helix is a console or a PC. From what we can tell, it will be a PC in a console-friendly form, both in hardware and software.
This specific presentation slide showcases Microsoft’s priority to put PC game development over everything else, as video game development will start from desktops. It is then followed by consoles and then by cloud streaming.
As such, expect next-gen Xbox games to be built on PC first and then later ported to other consoles, whether it’s the current Xbox Series or the PlayStation consoles.
Graphically, it would mean greater scalability for video games, but also that Project Helix would be pushing the limits in them. One disadvantage of this approach would be the lack of console optimization, considering Project Helix is a PC.
This is, unless Xbox tailors the Project Helix experience for each game, similar to the approach Valve has with the Steam Deck, confirming the verified status for each game that shows a compatibility badge.
To double down on this PC approach, Microsoft is releasing the Xbox mode for Windows 11 soon, which will be akin to the UI currently used in the Xbox ROG Ally handhelds.
It seems these decisions will really close in on the ecosystem between Xbox and PC, something Microsoft has been working on for years. Project Helix itself has been a thing in the works for nearly a decade.
What are your thoughts on Microsoft’s PC-first approach for game development? Let us know in the comments below, or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.
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[Staff Writer]
Shaheer is currently pursuing a Business degree while also working as a part-time Content Writer. With his deep passion for both writing and video games, he has seamlessly transitioned into a role as a Journalist. Over the past two years, Shaheer has contributed as a freelancer to various websites and landed positions on acclaimed platforms like Gamerant. Currently, his role at Tech4gamers is as a Features Writer, but he also covers News occasionally. Shaheer’s favorite gaming franchises are Assassin’s Creed and the God of War series.
Get In Touch: shaheerzahid03@gmail.com
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