Microsoft’s GDC 2015 announcements: The future of Windows 10 and Xbox One on gaming

Microsoft announces details about the future of gaming on Windows 10 and Xbox, and the company promises cross-buy, cross-play, single Windows Store, and universal platform for apps and games.

Microsoft at the Game Developers Conference 2015

Microsoft appeared at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco and the company unveiled a number of details about the future of gaming on both, Xbox One and Windows 10.

During the event, Microsoft’s Phil Spencer announced the following interesting details:

Xbox Live SDK preview for Windows 10: Microsoft is releasing the Xbox Live Software Development Kit to selected testers to enable developers to build new games. The new SDK offers access to most of the Xbox Live services using the same APIs. The software giant will open up the SDK to everyone in the coming months and it’s introducing a new tier of Xbox Live to allow developers to engage with the community.

Windows Universal App platform: With the new app model platform developers can create games and apps that run on PCs, tablets, phones, and Xbox One, even for HoloLens.

Windows Store: One store across all platforms, meaning that developers can target users on Windows PCs, Xbox One, tablets, and phones, easily and quickly. Enabling cross-buy — buy a game once a play it on different Windows devices.

Universal Development Center: This is the portal for developers to build and deliver games to the Windows Store. The portal offers fast, lightweight game submission, update capabilities, and access to game performance.

DirectX 12:  The twelfth version of DirectX will enable developers to increase the level of power and control using a single set of APIs. In DirectX 12 games show up to 20% of GPU and up to 50% of CPU improvement on all devices running the same APIs.

Accessories: All wireless Xbox gaming accessories will be designed and supported for both Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs. Later this year, Microsoft will let users play with the same Xbox controller on PCs with a new Wireless Adapter.

ID@Xbox Program for Windows 10

Microsoft is also announcing that it is bringing the ID@Xbox program to Windows 10, which will allow small developers to bring games to Xbox One and Windows 10.

Microsoft HoloLens

The software giant is now also encouraging developers to build new games for its futuristic HoloLens handset. While there are will be many uses and industries that take advantage of HoloLens and everything that holographic computing has to offer, gaming and entertainment will be critical — Microsoft says.

Those interested on building for Microsoft’s HoloLens, can join the Windows Insider Program to grab the holographic APIs when available; more details will be unveiled at Build 2015.

The future of gaming has a bright light with Windows 10, it’s amazing all the changes we’re seeing at Microsoft. Windows 10 is aligning to be the best release of Windows yet. For gamers, this should be a great news, as they will once again be able to build a custom gaming PC knowing that Microsoft is backing them up with great experiences and technologies, and the fact that now we will be able to cross-play – it’s just amazing.

Source Microsoft

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.