Microsoft’s strategy for Xbox has undergone a significant shift in recent years, marked by increased porting of first-party titles – , present, and future – to competing platforms like PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. This move towards platform agnosticism is set to continue with the next generation of Xbox consoles, as Epic Games has officially confirmed that its Games Store will be available on the new Xbox “on day one.”
The confirmation came during an interview with Epic Games Store VP and GM Steve Allison, as reported by Game File. Allison discussed Epic’s plans for Xbox in light of Microsoft’s evolving approach to exclusivity, stating, “We definitely plan to be on the new hardware for Xbox, because, unless their policy or stance on it changes, they are telling us they’re going to welcome that. And we’re going [to] be there, like, on day one. That will probably require us to build in whatever their requirements are, some sort of software to support that.”
This announcement signals a broader change in Microsoft’s console ecosystem. For years, Xbox has operated a closed platform, tightly controlling which games and storefronts are available to users. The potential inclusion of the Epic Games Store represents a move towards a more open ecosystem, similar to the PC gaming landscape. This shift is reportedly driven by the design of the next-generation Xbox, which is rumored to function as a hybrid between a traditional console and a PC, potentially utilizing a Windows-based operating system.
The implications of this change are substantial. Currently, the Xbox ecosystem is centered around the Microsoft Store, which serves as the primary avenue for purchasing and launching games. Introducing a competitor like the Epic Games Store will introduce choice for consumers and potentially drive down prices through competition. However, it also raises questions about how Microsoft will manage multiple storefronts within a single console experience.
Epic Games has been actively working to expand the reach of its storefront beyond PC. The Epic Games Store has gained prominence through its strategy of offering free games on a weekly basis, attracting a large user base. While some analyses have questioned whether users are primarily drawn to the free offerings rather than paid titles, Epic reported “serious growth” in , indicating a viable and expanding platform. The company is also investing in improving the user experience, with Allison noting they are “investigating” opportunities to create a fully optimized version of the Epic Games Store for the Xbox Full-Screen Experience, a user interface similar to Steam’s Big Picture mode.
The move also aligns with Microsoft’s recent statements regarding the next-generation Xbox. Reports suggest the new console will allow for the installation of PC storefronts, opening the door for both Steam and Epic Games Store. This approach represents a significant departure from previous Xbox generations, where Microsoft maintained strict control over the software ecosystem. The company’s willingness to embrace third-party storefronts suggests a recognition that a more open platform can attract developers and consumers alike.
While Microsoft has indicated a willingness to allow third-party storefronts, Allison’s statement isn’t a definitive confirmation. Microsoft has demonstrated a degree of unpredictability in its recent decisions, as noted by KitGuru. However, the ongoing discussions between Epic and Microsoft, coupled with the reported design of the next-generation Xbox, strongly suggest that the Epic Games Store will indeed be a part of the console’s launch experience.
The impact on Microsoft’s own storefront remains to be seen. The introduction of competition could force Microsoft to innovate and improve its own offerings to retain users. It’s also possible that the presence of multiple storefronts could fragment the Xbox user base, making it more difficult for developers to reach a wide audience. The success of this new approach will likely depend on how seamlessly Microsoft integrates the Epic Games Store into the overall Xbox experience.
the potential for a dedicated Epic Games Store app optimized for the Xbox Full-Screen Experience suggests Epic is taking the Xbox platform seriously. While Allison indicated that such an app is unlikely to be ready this year, the company’s commitment to exploring these opportunities demonstrates its long-term vision for the Xbox ecosystem. This investment in optimization could provide a more intuitive and user-friendly experience for gamers who are accustomed to the Epic Games Store on PC.
The arrival of the Epic Games Store on Xbox represents a pivotal moment for the console industry. It signals a shift towards a more open and competitive landscape, potentially benefiting both consumers and developers. While uncertainties remain regarding the implementation and long-term impact, the prospect of choice and competition is a welcome development for the Xbox platform.
