There has been a lot of impatient waiting for Windows 8 to be released for PC and mobile devices. The new style and functions are creating a buzz for Windows lovers. Now Microsoft is trying to attract gamers to their new OS. They have announced Xbox games to be available on Windows 8 for PC and mobile devices. By integrating Windows 8 on multiple devices, Microsoft is attempting to allow cross platform gaming with many of the functions already used by Xbox.
Games to Be Released:
The first wave of games to be available on PC and mobile devices has already been announced. Though gamers won’t see Halo or Call of Duty on their mobile phones quite yet, there are some well known titles to be released. Some of these titles include:
- Adera: Episodes 1,2, and 3
- Angry Birds
- Angry Birds Space
- Big Buck Hunter Pro
- Collateral Damage
- Dragon’s Lair
- Fruit Ninja
- PAC-MAN Championship Edition DX
- Reckless Racing Ultimate
- Shark Dash
- The Harvest HD
- Zombies!!!
The games are currently restricted to touch-friendly casual games you can enjoy wherever you are. The games listed are just a few of the first wave releases Microsoft plans to integrate into PC and mobile devices.
Xbox LIVE Functions on Mobile Devices:
It is not enough to just integrate Xbox games into PC and mobile devices without adding LIVE functions. Microsoft announced they will have many of the functions such as leaderboards, achievements, multiplayer modes, and a friends list. You won’t need an Xbox LIVE account to access these features, unlike with Xbox itself, which may draw more gamers to utilize the app.
The games will be available through an app in Windows 8, but the downloading will go through the Windows Store app. The real appeal is how your achievements will be accessible on all devices. If you are progressing in your game on your mobile phone, you can pick up where you left off on your PC or Xbox. Without this communication between devices, the launch would have been doomed.
The games will be available October 26th with the launch of Windows 8. The first wave of games released will include 40 from developers such as Windows Studios, Rovio, Gameloft, and more. Throughout 2013 more games will be added for download and some released during the 2012 holidays.
This will be the first step for Microsoft in cross-platform gaming that may evolve considerably. It may not be too long before we see a Bluetooth Xbox controller able to be synced to your Windows phone so you can enjoy some of the most popular titles you are currently addicted to on Xbox.
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