On a continued effort to bridge the gap between Xbox One and Windows 10 gaming, Microsoft is introducing “Xbox Play Anywhere”. It’s a new program that allows you to purchase cross-platform games one time and play them on your console and PC.
The Xbox Play Anywhere program works pretty simple — participating games you buy through your Windows 10 device will automatically show up on your Xbox One game library, and vice versa.
In addition, your achievements, saved games, and other information will automatically sync between devices, so you can start playing on you Xbox One console, pause, and on the road you can pick up where you left off on your Windows 10 laptop.
During the Xbox E3 Briefing, the company also announced that is working to bring more of its games to both platforms. “Every new Microsoft Studios title shown at the Xbox E3 2016 Briefing will support Xbox Play Anywhere, with more titles on the way.” Xbox chief Phil Spencer says.
Some of the games participating in the XPA program include: Recore, Forza Horizon 3, Gears of War 4, State of the Decay 2, Scalebound, and Halo Wars 2, and indie titles such as We Happy Few.
At the beginning, Microsoft is planning to focus on first-party releases, but in the future the company plans to expand to more games.
Update, July 5, 2016: Xbox Play Anywhere launch on September 13, 2016, with the release of the ReCore game title. The new service will require you to install Windows 10 Anniversary Update on your PC and Xbox One console. The update will make available starting August 2nd for both devices.
In addition, it’s important to note that Xbox Play Anywhere only works with download games from Store — the service isn’t available for game physical discs.
Finally, Microsoft also says that every new game title published by Microsoft Studios will support Xbox Play Anywhere. They’ll also be easily available through the Windows Store.
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 15 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 21 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. Email him at [email protected].