Microsoft Announces Commitment to PC Gaming and Reduces Commissions for Game Publishers in Microsoft Store to 12%

From August 1, 2023, the corporation Microsoft will keep only 12% proceeds from sales of third-party PC games in the digital store Microsoft Store instead of the previous thirty%… The same commission applies to Epic Games Store, whereas Steam continues to take 30% from partners until a certain level of income is reached. Microsoft has taken this step as part of an initiative to further develop in the PC gaming field.

Chapter Xbox Game Studios Matt Bootie said that Microsoft is investing heavily in the Xbox ecosystem, which includes both PC and PC gamers, a lot of interesting things should be expected… Several years ago, Microsoft started releasing all of its console games on the PC.

“If you walk through the virtual corridors of the Xbox, you will definitely learn that the idea of ​​a” player “for us is a person who plays many games on completely different devices. And the experience of playing on a PC is also part of this. and for those users. We are investing in the PC gaming ecosystem and affirm that the PC plays an important role in the lives of gamers. ” published on the Xbox Wire blog.

Microsoft’s way of building communities around games, not devices… Therefore, for example, her upcoming blockbuster Halo infinite will receive support for crossplay and cross-progressing.

“Many of you use not only PCs, but also Xbox consoles for playthrough. This is why we are pleased to announce that Halo Infinite will support multiplayer cross-platform mode immediately after the release. This means that on PC, you can join your friends on Xbox One and Xbox Series X | S. Plus, keep your multiplayer settings and progress on any device. “

In addition to this, the long-awaited shooter will get support for wide and ultra-wide screens, triple keybindings, an extensive set of advanced graphics options and much more.

“We want to make sure Halo serves the PC community well,” Microsoft said.

Despite the fact that Microsoft wants and will develop its own Microsoft Store, it understands that many users want to purchase content on Steam, and this opportunity is provided to them

“We believe that it is important for users to be able to choose where to buy games, and we want to make access to content easier. Knowing that PC owners use different marketplaces, we made it possible to purchase Sea of ​​Thieves, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Age of Empires I, II, and III: Definitive Edition, and Forza Horizon 4 on Steam. “

The Xbox Game Pass subscription service is also in great demand among PC gamers – they promise to develop its PC version more actively, adding more games there.… Game Pass also helped popularize the Halo franchise on PC.

“At the end of 2019, we added Halo: The Master Chief Collection to your Xbox Game Pass PC library. Since then, more than 10 million users have passed it, and the majority were not previously familiar with the franchise. With this community response, we set out to bring more titles from publishers and developers around the world to the Xbox Game Pass for PC library.

It’s only been four months since early 2023, and we’ve already added 100 games, including award-winning Bethesda titles and brand-new PC titles. We’ve also signed an agreement with Electronic Arts to include EA Play with Xbox Game Pass for PC and Ultimate at no additional cost. More than 50 leading devices from our partners Acer, ASUS, Lenovo, MSI and Razer are available to gamers to enjoy gaming with Xbox Game Pass for PC. “

Referring to the previously mentioned reduction in developer fees, Microsoft expressed confidence that this will open up more opportunities and allow independent studios to strengthen their commercial success.

“We need developers to get great games for our users, and we want them to be successful on our platforms. Today we are announcing an update to the Microsoft Store Terms of Service for PC Developers. As part of our commitment to giving every PC game creator more experience, we We will increase the developer share of net sales in the Microsoft Store service from 70% to 88% effective August 1. The net, unlimited share of revenue means that developers can bring more games to a huge number of users and increase their commercial success. “

Microsoft also reminded that it is a software giant that creates tools that are used by the entire gaming industry

“We are proud to provide creators with the platforms and services they need to realize their vision to help create a unique PC experience. We introduced DirectX 12 Ultimate technology to Xbox Series X | S and PC. Its functionality also includes the recently announced DirectX 12 Agility. An SDK that delivers an incredible graphical experience such as ray tracing for a wider range of PC owners. We’ll also bring gamers the Auto HDR feature we’ve been working on for the Xbox. It is currently being tested in over 1000 DirectX games. on Xbox will also be available on PC, offering faster load times and detailed virtual worlds. “

Further more

“There is still a lot of work ahead of us, but based on the feedback from gamers and developers, we know we are heading in the right direction for the community. We are in a better position at the moment as an organization providing enhanced experiences for PC owners. All thanks to Xbox Studio. Game Studios and Bethesda’s PC and Xbox development material, Windows and DirectX teams that create technology to help developers and provide users with specific features that enhance the benefits of system software, an Xbox Game Pass for PC that delivers games for all tastes since its premiere and ongoing evolution Xbox and Xbox Game Bar. We will continue to listen to the community to make sure we deliver on our promises and respect their choices of playthrough. This is especially important now that we are smoothly entering the second half of 2023 and our work in the PC ecosystem has the potential associations that will help promote the industry go ahead and bring great games to more users around the world. “

Shooter Halo Infinite will be released in the fall of 2023

Read also: “The main platform in Russia is PC – Steam”: A long interview with the producer of Tales of Arise Yusuke Tomizawa