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Xbox Live Arcade titles come to Windows 8 and RT

by Mark Tyson on 17 January 2013, 15:45

Tags: Windows 8, Windows Phone, PC

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qabrpr

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Microsoft has launched its Play service for Windows 8 and Windows RT based computers. The new service allows users to play Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA) on your PC, bringing along your Xbox gamertag and statistics if you wish. Right now there’s just a little fly in the ointment with regard to the number of titles that will furnish the store; just 15 are available in the Windows Store at launch time.

The Play launch is clearly part of the big picture Microsoft is painting for us; of developers being able to write once and then being able to easily deliver upon multiple platforms. This launch with its rather small selection of games can be seen as a baby-step in the right direction. If the plan works out and Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows Phone and Xbox have a large, exciting and common game selection it’s sure to be onto a winner. The Xbox is a very popular games machine and could pass on this gaming prowess “halo” to help Microsoft in its push for smartphone and tablet market penetration.

Hydro Thunder Hurricane

Here’s the list of launch titles:

Skulls of the Shogun.

The Gunstringer: Dead Man Running.

ilomilo+.

Wordament.

Toy Soldiers: Cold War.

Taptiles.

Rocket Riot 3D.

Reckless Racing Ultimate.

Pinball FX2.

Microsoft Minesweeper.

 

Microsoft Solitaire Collection.

Microsoft Mahjong.

Hydro Thunder Hurricane.

Adera.

4 Elements II Special Edition.

 

An interesting bonus to this multi-platform availability is that some planned games will be “portable”, for example World Series of Poker: Full House Pro, slated for launch in Spring, will let gamers resume play on either their Windows PC or Xbox 360 console.

It’s a good move for the Windows gaming ecosystem. Have a look at Microsoft’s own infomercial below...



HEXUS Forums :: 13 Comments

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Question: if I've got an XBLA title (and in some cases with some DLC - e.g. PinballFX2 with some of the additional tables) do I have to rebuy it on a Windows8 PC, or is MS Play smart enough to know that I've already bought a license on my XBox and allow me to just download it again?

I'm assuming this to be the case since otherwise the “portable” game aspect is a bit of a waste of time. ;)
Can't wait to play minesweeper on windows.
I was excited about this until I realised that out of the 50+ Arcade games I have non of them are on this list :/. Still its the thought that counts I suppose.
No wonder Gabe Newell doesn't like Windows 8, this competes directly with their platform. I expect gamers to prefer Steam's approach, being locked into an operating system is not something I would like and I suspect lots of other people will feel the same.
Noxvayl
No wonder Gabe Newell doesn't like Windows 8, this competes directly with their platform. I expect gamers to prefer Steam's approach, being locked into an operating system is not something I would like and I suspect lots of other people will feel the same.
Ironicaly with steam your locked in to a device thou.

The idea of this is I can buy a game on my fondlejab, and play it on my diddyfondle (tablet -> phone).

However I assume most publishers will want me to pay for each one.