Microsoft has just unveiled a bunch of gaming-related updates, and while they seem like rather small tweaks, they could be helpful for Xbox gamers who don’t play on the actual console. The TL;DR includes a cleaner Game Bar UI,Game Passbenefits, and a way to seamlessly shift in and out of games usingXbox Cloud Gaming. Let’s dig in.
First, perhaps my favorite of all theannouncements: Microsoft has made it easier to switch from one game to another in Xbox Cloud Gaming. Unfortunately, this only concernsAssassin’s Creedgames so far, such asAssassin’s Creed Shadows—but it’s still pretty cool.
Prior to the update, you’d need to go back to the Xbox homepage to launch a new game. Now, games can be launched directly from the same window, without having to go back. It’s a small change, but could prove to be a great quality-of-life update for gamers. The best part is that Microsoft says it’ll be rolling out in other cloud-playable games “soon,” so it’s not going to be allAssassin’s Creedforever.
Speaking of games you can play in the cloud, Microsoft added new titles to the list of games you can play on supported devices (if you own them, that is). This includesAssassin’s Creed ShadowsandGotham Knights, but alsoParty Animals, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre,andWobbly Life. More games are coming soon, includingRaft, which is one of my favorite survival games to date.
Next, Microsoft’s Game Bar has a whole new look, and it’s only the beginning — the company says that several visual enhancements will roll out this week. Game Bar now has a refreshed design with various widgets, including the Home Bar and separate widgets for resources, capturing gameplay, and performance tracking.
Lastly, if you’re using the Xbox Game Pass, you’ll be eligible for some free goodies as part of your subscription. This applies to free-to-play games and includes cosmetics, in-game currency, and other fun stuff in titles likeHeroes of the StormorNaraka: Bladepoint.
