Phill Spencer had a surprise announcement to make today, revealing that Microsoft is officially bringing its Xbox Game Pass subscription program over to Windows 10. Just like the Xbox One version that debuted two years ago, the PC centered service will boast over 100 games for subscribers, among other perks.
A few games sporting Xbox Play Anywhere capabilities are already playable on Windows 10 by Xbox Game Pass subscribers, but this new development means a dedicated service just for PC players will be arriving.
The company said its working with over 75 publishers and developers to bring PC games over to the Xbox Game Pass' new platform, name dropping "Bethesda, Deep Silver, Devolver Digital, Paradox Interactive, [and] SEGA." As expected, games made by Microsoft's first-party studios will be included in the service from day one.
In another piece of interesting news, Spencer confirmed in the announcement that Win32 games will be made available through the Microsoft Store on Windows 10. "We recognize that Win32 is the app format that game developers love to use and gamers love to play," added Spencer. "This will unlock more options for developers and gamers alike, allowing for the customization and control they’ve come to expect from the open Windows gaming ecosystem."
Furthermore, more Xbox Game Studios PC games are heading to other PC stores in addition to the Microsoft Store on Windows, with Spencer confirming that the upcoming Gears 5 and "Age of Empires I, II & III: Definitive Editions" will be releasing on Steam.
Pricing and a release schedule were not shared today for the Windows 10 Xbox Game Pass. Also, it's unclear if this Windows 10 version of the Xbox Game Pass will be a separate purchase from the Xbox One edition, or will users only have to subscribe once for both platforms.
E3 is when we will get to find out more about these new ventures, with Microsoft's Xbox briefing slated to kick off on June 9.
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