Just the Windows Store
At GDC last March, Microsoft revealed a new direction — one focused on combining both Xbox One and Windows 10 gaming into “the Xbox ecosystem.” Microsoft’s in the unique position of having cachet in both the PC and console corners, so launching a Steam-competitor storefront isn’t a far-fetched idea. And, there’s the added bonus of being able to tell players they can play wherever they want.
One of Xbox’s first big games to be cross-buy and cross-play between Xbox One and PC will be Quantum Break, as we learned last week. To clear up any confusion, Microsoft has elaborated that Quantum Break will not be available on Steam or any other PC distribution channels other than the Windows Store. It”s probably safe to assume that’ll be the case for any Microsoft-published titles in the near future.
The clarification came from Xbox head of marketing Aaron Greenberg on Major Nelson’s podcast. When asked point-blank about Steam, Greenberg commented “Quantum Break on Windows 10 is a Windows Store exclusive.” It was also mentioned that Fable Legends will get the same treatment when it’s eventually released.
Greenberg continued “People should know: Xbox is a big priority and a huge commitment. Please do not let the fact that we are also launching a game on the same day on Windows 10 change your perspective on the importance of the console business [or] our commitment to innovating on console.”
MNR 563: Quantum Break news and more [Major Nelson via DualShockers]