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[Durin]

It's not really going to go anywhere without Steam, because Microsoft has for 2 generations now been unable to create enough value to keep itself in a strong place through its own ecosystem.

Opening itself up to allow other PC storefronts, subsidizing the hardware to run Windows with gamepad UI, and improving its own storefront to compete is their only option. Right now multi-plat games are avoiding their Xbox storefront due to not enough people being on it to justify, so they need to leverage PC's openness to have a chance...and then create enough value for people to pick their storefront instead of skipping to Steam.

I remember when the 360 had enough advantages in their ecosystem that I defaulted to multi-plat console games on it, instead of my PS3.

 

[yurinka]

Project Helix will be a PC running Windows, so yes.

It will be there if the user installs Steam (I think won't be there preinstalled, I assume MS will only preinstall their own store), like in any other PC running Windows.

 

[{insert code here}]

I think it's going to be on there but I don't think they'll let you purchase games through Steam. No chance MS surrenders that 30% revenue on every game sold. But as a marketing gimmick they'll say it's Steam-able but it's going to be library access only. Same goes for the EGS, I just don't see MS giving up that revenue that comes from selling games.

 

[I collect VHS tapes]

I think it's going to be on there but I don't think they'll let you purchase games through Steam. No chance MS surrenders that 30% revenue on every game sold. But as a marketing gimmick they'll say it's Steam-able but it's going to be library access only. Same goes for the EGS, I just don't see MS giving up that revenue that comes from selling games.

If people can just buy the game from the Steam app on their phone why would MS boycott purchases?

If they do you can just add the games to your library through Steam mobile app, browser, etc

 

[HerjansEagleFeeder]

Is Cancer on Steam though?

 

[Paasei]

It's a pre-built PC, so I think you can probably get it running. Hybrid is a fun marketing term.

 

[kikkis]

I think it's going to be on there but I don't think they'll let you purchase games through Steam. No chance MS surrenders that 30% revenue on every game sold. But as a marketing gimmick they'll say it's Steam-able but it's going to be library access only. Same goes for the EGS, I just don't see MS giving up that revenue that comes from selling games.

If it really runs windows 11 etc I don't know how ms prevents anyone from not getting games from steam. From business perspective they should have revenue share from 3rd party stores but if it's just windows it's probably easy to crack

 

[HerjansEagleFeeder]

That's why Steam and other PC stores are allowed. But it will still be curated experience.

That sounds exactly like the logical aporias that MS's marketing keeps trying to sell us over and over

 

[NeonDelta]

It's a pc

 

[Simms]

MS loves subscriptions. If anyone could convince Steam and other storefronts to gatekeep features or even complete access through subscriptions it will be them.

You think Valve would agree to this? Come on.

I actually hope that Steam is not accessible on the Xbox, that gives more reason for Sony to keep releasing their games on Steam.

 

[TheUnicornGuy]

If people can just buy the game from the Steam app on their phone why would MS boycott purchases?

If they do you can just add the games to your library through Steam mobile app, browser, etc

It's easy enough to get cheaper games and gamepass subs from cd key sites like loaded and such, but the vast majority of users don't because it's less convenient. See how many people use things like uber eats or deliveroo to save themselves a trip to a drive through, or even hello fresh and the like to save a bit of time on meal prep.

While I think there will be a decent amount of users that will shop around for the best price, most will probably just click on buy and be done with it.

 

[bitbydeath]

You think Valve would agree to this? Come on.

I actually hope that Steam is not accessible on the Xbox, that gives more reason for Sony to keep releasing their games on Steam.

If they can prove people will pay for it.
It did happen to Nintendo and Sony.

 

[BlackTron]

Are you really as dumb as you portray yourself or do you do it for laughs?

I know people IRL who are otherwise fair and objective until it's about anything they're emotionally invested in, then it's pure cope. It does effectively make them dumb, to a degree that is actually dangerous. If it's just over video games, no big deal. Gaming is probably a healthy outlet for the dumber side of ourselves.

 

[ResilientBanana]

I don't think so. I think Xbox PC games will be .

 

[Simms]

I suspect the OP may be onto something here, if you look at all the evidence so far that he has mentioned. It's not been explicitly announced that Steam is going to be on the next Xbox and it maybe a heavily curated experience as suggested, it may be a locked down system, not like your average PC.

 

[The_Mike]

Imagine ps store or Nintendo shop on Xbox helix.

No need when Sony games are on steam

 

[Miyazaki’s Slave]

why would it endorse those other store sales giving up 30% of revenue to remain viable but exclude Sony and Nintendo? You might as well reach the massive Nintendo and Sony audience too if you're giving up 30% anyway, it would be far more beneficial than something like Humble.

Because those other stores are based on their OS environment. They would approach their inclusion from a licensing perspective rather than a publishing one (paying a usage fee rather than a publishing fee).

My comment about MS backpedaling on their exclusivity approach was referring to what they would need to do if they were not including Steam as part of their approach (based on OPs comments).

I do not think they can reverse course in terms of publishing their games on Sony and Nintendo platforms. Unless they have a massive (and growing) amount of games they have been developing for the last few years in secret their new console will subsist on other publishers/developers content. Their approach being "Xbox is the best place to play!"…everyone else's content.

Their "killer app" will be introducing traditional console players to the content available to PC players. Seems like a pretty huge value prop for their perspective end users if they can pull it off.

 

[Three]

Because those other stores are based on their OS environment. They would approach their inclusion from a licensing perspective rather than a publishing one (paying a usage fee rather than a publishing fee).

I'm not sure I follow. How does the usage fee work?
Are you saying they would charge those stores because they release on their OS, would that be a cut of the stores sales?

 

[Miyazaki’s Slave]

I'm not sure I follow. How does the usage fee work?
Are you saying they would charge those stores because they release on their OS, would that be a cut of the stores sales?

MS would pay a licensing fee to advertise access to those store fronts from their Xbox ecosystem (either be that on the console or through their various engagement points like their cloud app).

Ms would get an affiliate cut for users being funneled from their platform of engagement to one of those of marketplaces. Kinda like YouTubers have affiliate links in their product based videos.

When they publish their content on other platforms (or others publish on Xbox) that's where the typical 30/70 split comes into play.

I would see them taking a licensing approach with folks like Steam and Epic rather than a publishing one.

 

[twilo99]

There's no official or specific wording saying Helix is a PC though.

Just like modern consoles it uses PC components so we are all incredibly confused

 

[Sooner]

No need when Sony games are on steam

I got bad news for you.

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

I have no way to prove it, but I think ALL Magnus powered devices will be branded Xbox, and ALL will have Console BC up until the Unified GDK Xbox PC/Helix SKU supercedes. Regardless of being first or 3rd party, the Xbox branding is more important for BC.

BC is built into all 5 RDNA5 GPU dies, but it would only activate when paired up with Magnus CPU SOC. So Magnus powered Handhelds, Laptops, PCs, Consoles, Cloud will all have BC. The Unified GDK Universal Xbox PC/Helix SKU provides the Forwards Compatibility.

Magnus is the key to Project Helix. Up to 3 consoles, entry level console with 24 CUs, midrange console with 48 CUs, premium flagship console with 68 CUs.

Jez stated Asus will be releasing an Xbox PC this year, using the same Z2E AI chip that's inside the Xbox Ally X handheld. That would pretty much confirm next gen Handhelds and Entry Level PCs/Consoles using the same chip. So when devs optimize for handhelds, they would technically be optimizing for Entry level device too.

I had always heard there was a distinction between next gen Xbox Console that would have BC and Xbox PC that would not

As of late hearing "plans have changed" with the leadership shakeups so will be curious as to what is revealed as their current vision for Xbox (which seems apparent enough)

 

[kevboard]

probably.

we already know that the Epic Store will be on it (since Sweeney basically announced it) and can be fairly certain that Ubisoft and GoG will be on it (since they are already in the Microsoft Store now).

I assume that the PC mode will only allow installs from the Microsoft store and not from a browser (safety concerns), so Valve would need to release Steam on the Microsoft Store... which shouldn't be an issue unless they somehow don't want to.

again, essentially every other launcher is already available in the MS Store on PC, Valve is the odd one out so far.

Epic Games Store - Download and install on Windows | Microsoft Store

The Epic Games Store app is your gateway to a world of games, apps, and creative tools for PC and Mac. Sign up for an Epic Games Account, download the app and get a free game every week! Visit the Epic Games Store to browse, buy, and play the hottest new releases or download some of the...

apps.microsoft.com

GOG GALAXY - Download and install on Windows | Microsoft Store

Explore the catalog of 10 000+ games The free GOG GALAXY app is your gateway to dive into the world of thousands of games available on GOG, from all-time classics and exceptional indies to modern hits. Build your cross-platform games library GOG GALAXY lets you organize your games across...

apps.microsoft.com

Ubisoft Connect - PC – Herunterladen und Installieren unter Windows | Microsoft Store

Ubisoft Connect PC is your gateway to all Ubisoft worlds! Download our desktop app to make the best of your Ubisoft games on PC. Manage and play your games, connect with friends, and enjoy our unique loyalty program, free weekends and give-aways. The desktop app brings numerous features to...

apps.microsoft.com

 

[Horseganador]

Yes, it will have Steam and will eat up what little remains of Xbox; most people buy their games on Steam.

 

[Darsxx82]

You'll be able to load games from third-party stores... what I'm not so sure about is whether you can access and buy games from those stores through Helix.

Whatever the case, I'm interested in knowing what Microsoft has planned and prepared to encourage users to prioritize or continue preferring to buy their games from the Xbox Store and not from other retailers. I suppose it will include:

- Better optimized versions with specific features.

- Play Anywhere and Game Pass access.

- Access to "console-only" games and Backbone games that receive improvements and optimizations through Helix.

 

[The_Mike]

I got bad news for you.

I'm aware.

They announced it around the same time valve announced they are joining the console race with steam machines.

Now steam has went from a platform on PC to potentially being a rival to playstation.

The poor sales probably didn't help either, which probably made playstation exclusives on PC not profitable for Sony.

 

[I collect VHS tapes]

It's easy enough to get cheaper games and gamepass subs from cd key sites like loaded and such, but the vast majority of users don't because it's less convenient. See how many people use things like uber eats or deliveroo to save themselves a trip to a drive through, or even hello fresh and the like to save a bit of time on meal prep.

While I think there will be a decent amount of users that will shop around for the best price, most will probably just click on buy and be done with it.

Steam isn't comparable to CD key sites. Key sites feel sketchy to a lot of people (questions about legitimacy, risk of bad keys, extra steps), so most users avoid them unless they're actively bargain hunting. Steam, on the other hand, is a trusted, mainstream platform with a clean UI, saved payment info, and a one-click purchase flow. And cheap ass games.

So the convenience gap isn't really there…buying on Steam is already as easy as buying directly on Xbox.

Comparing a one click purchase on a Steam app to hunting down CD keys on various CD key sites is a pretty bad faith comparison IMO.

 

[FMX]

I think that they maybe playing on words. You maybe able to access your Steam games but will you be able to buy them on the Helix? Not sure that this new regime is trying to be all friendly with competitors like Phil Spencer was. They only said that you will be able to play PC games when they announced Project Helix. I think that Project Helix is going to cost 1499.99. I think that if they are going to leverage their status as of the biggest publishers/developers with more blockbuster titles than anyone else they have remain multiplatform.

 

[Hero of Spielberg]

I think that they maybe playing on words. You maybe able to access your Steam games but will you be able to buy them on the Helix? Not sure that this new regime is trying to be all friendly with competitors like Phil Spencer was. They only said that you will be able to play PC games when they announced Project Helix. I think that Project Helix is going to cost 1499.99. I think that if they are going to leverage their status as of the biggest publishers/developers with more blockbuster titles than anyone else they have remain multiplatform.

If you can't buy games from it they won't have it. Unless you're suggesting people can buy via PC and then they would show up in their Steam library on the Helix? Would be a very strange decision.

 

[Sorcerer]

I'm thinking not officially but if its Windows you are free to install it. Will Microsoft want to deal with the average consumer who doesn't understand Steam (or any storefront outside Microsoft's) is not Microsoft's responsibility?

If Microsoft advertises these storefronts as a selling point, they are setting themselves up for some headaches. It gets even weirder if Microsoft also simultaneously releases their games on Steam. Buy it direct from Microsoft or buy it on Steam on a Microsoft console. What a headache!!!

I'm only saying this will be a problem if they try to push a pc as a console which should be more plug and play than a pc, (well less so nowadays).

 

[DavidGzz]

It would be its biggest draw. Hope so.

 

[PlayStaytion]

Yes, usually people spend that money on notebooks to play their games for 2 years and then repeat the cycle every 2 years. It's only happening because there's no other reason than PCs being priced unreasonably. Yes, it's happening because some big players in the tech industry gonna look stupid after blaming everyone else but themselves.

 

[IDKFA]

I think it's going to be on there but I don't think they'll let you purchase games through Steam. No chance MS surrenders that 30% revenue on every game sold. But as a marketing gimmick they'll say it's Steam-able but it's going to be library access only. Same goes for the EGS, I just don't see MS giving up that revenue that comes from selling games.

I sort of agree.

You're right that Microsoft would be foolish to surrender that 30% cut on every game sold. That would be a loss of a massive revenue stream.

However, rather than completely blocking purchases, I think they'll lock Steam and other third party stores behind a Gamepass paywall.

That would make up for the lost revenue.

 

[Tobimacoss]

I sort of agree.

You're right that Microsoft would be foolish to surrender that 30% cut on every game sold. That would be a loss of a massive revenue stream.

However, rather than completely blocking purchases, I think they'll lock Steam and other third party stores behind a Gamepass paywall.

That would make up for the lost revenue.

What lost revenue? MS Store will likely be 12% for Helix SKU. To ensure 99% of games are Play Anywhere.

The 35 million Gamepass subscribers and 50 million Xbox ecosystem users are still going to be buying their games in Xbox ecosystem primarily.

They aren't tying store access to Gamepass, that's not how an open platform works.

 

[IDKFA]

What lost revenue?

If somebody buys the hardware as a cheaper entry into PC games, they'll probably buy from Steam. If they buy third party games from Steam, Microsoft loses their 30% cut on each game sold.

That is lost revenue.

The 35 million Gamepass subscribers and 50 million Xbox ecosystem users are still going to be buying their games in Xbox ecosystem primarily.

You can't guarantee that. You also can't guarantee "50 million Xbox ecosystem" users will buy the hardware. Have they even sold that many Xbox Series Consoles?

They aren't tying store access to Gamepass, that's not how an open platform works.

How "open" are Microsoft willing to go? They need to make money and if a large percentage of people opt for third party stores then where is the money being made?

 

[Cakeboxer]

I hope so, but not sure how they are gonna make money in that case.

 

[Ellis]

Of course, it's just a PC after all.

The only "console" aspect of this machine is tacked on existing Series X silicone that will most likely not play Xbox console games games any differently to the current SX. In a couple of years time, publishers will stop supporting Series S/X, and that dedicated console part of Helix will be redundant.

People are not buying this for backwards compatibly when they can just use their Series S/X for that already.

It's a PC with a current gen Xbox chipset thrown in. Nothing more. Bullshit PR and fancy tech words aren't changing that.

 

[Artistic]

Now that my PC broke down, I'm all for Steam on Project Helix.

Please and thank you.

 

[Tobimacoss]

Now that my PC broke down, I'm all for Steam on Project Helix.

Please and thank you.

How did your PC break down? Not gonna repair it?

 

[Artistic]

How did your PC break down? Not gonna repair it?

Not sure what happened, but when I turn it on, it doesn't boot up to the Asus BIOS screen anymore. No loading or nothing.

I can, but I think it'll cost more to repair than I paid for it($200).