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Published on March 6th, 2015 | by Admin

Xbox Newsbeat – 6 March 2015

Phil Spencer Announces Developer Tools to Bring Games to Billions

Head of Xbox, Phil Spencer, shares the vision for unified gaming across Windows 10 with developers.

Microsoft had a heavy presence at GDC this week, with head of Xbox, Phil Spencer, sharing the next steps in the company’s plans. Phil communicated the concept for a unified vision of gaming across Windows 10 devices, stating that it’s now all about developers. As Microsoft presses forward on the journey towards the launch of Windows 10, they will continue working hand-in-hand with developers to ensure that together they bring the best possible gaming experience to gamers.

Below is a summary of the details shared with the game developers at GDC:

  • Xbox Live SDK Available for Windows 10: Xbox Live SDK for Windows 10 is currently in the hands of managed partners, who will use it to create new games, but soon it will be available to a broader set of developers. This SDK will provide access to the vast majority of Xbox Live services currently available on Xbox One, under a shared set of APIs, integrated with the Windows Store.
  • Windows Universal App Platform: Windows 10 brings together one core operating system, one application platform, one gaming social network, one store, and one ingestion path across all Windows PCs, Tablets, Phones and Xbox One consoles. It will be easier than it has ever been for developers to bring content to PCs, tablets, phones, Xbox consoles, and future Windows 10 devices like Microsoft HoloLens.

 

  • Windows Store: For developers, the promise of one store across devices means they will now have the ability and flexibility to deliver content across PCs, console, tablets, and phones, easily and quickly. Similarly, by enabling new experiences such as cross-buy, developers now have more flexibility on the features they deliver to gamers across Windows devices.

 

  • Universal Development Centre: The Universal Development Centre is the developer portal for building and delivering games to the Windows Store. It provides fast, lightweight game submission and update capabilities within the developer’s direct control, as well as access to key metrics to help understand their games performance.

 

  • DirectX 12: DirectX 12 enables PC developers to have a new level of power and control. It is a single API developers can access across Windows devices.
  • Accessories: All wireless Xbox gaming accessories will be designed for and supported on both Xbox One consoles and Windows 10 PCs moving forward. Later this year, Microsoft will be delivering a Wireless Adapter that will allow consumers to use current Xbox controllers and future devices wirelessly on a PC.
  • Elite: Dangerous is coming to Xbox One: Elite: Dangerous will be coming to Xbox One this summer. Developed by famed designer and Frontier CEO David Braben, Elite: Dangerous combines elements of space adventure, resource trading, and combat simulation to create a wholly unique experience that’s quite literally out of this world.
  • ID@Xbox Program Comes to Windows 10: Many ID@Xbox games have shipped, hundreds of games are in development, and more than 1,000 independent studios have Xbox One development kits in hand. Microsoft revealed that ID@Xbox will be expanding to help developers succeed by reaching gamers on Xbox One and Windows 10.
  • Gigantic Comes to Windows 10 and Xbox One: Microsoft announced a partnership with Motiga to bring its first game, Gigantic, to Windows 10 and Xbox One. Gigantic is a five-on-five third-person battle arena game with a beautiful fantasy art style where you select from an array of heroes with distinctive powers and play styles and wield your way through areas to defeat your opposition’s Guardian.
  • Microsoft HoloLens: As announced on January 21, Microsoft HoloLens is the world’s first fully untethered holographic computer running Windows 10. Developers in the Windows ecosystem will be able to create games to reach the masses through a system where they can designate their games distribution even for future devices – devices like Microsoft HoloLens. The reaction to Microsoft HoloLens has been incredible. While there are going to be many uses and industries that take advantage of Microsoft HoloLens and everything that holographic computing has to offer, gaming is a huge opportunity.

This is just a first look at some of the exciting updates coming that will make gaming even better on Windows 10 and Xbox. We will continue to gather feedback from the game development community and ensure the games and content on Windows 10 and Xbox is the best it can be for gamers and for developers.

Check out a feature video of Phil’s talk from GDC 2015 here.

For more information on Phil’s announcements, head to the Xbox Wire.

 

New ID@Xbox Games Storm GDC

Get ready for even more great content from ID@Xbox

This week at GDC dozens of games have shipped via ID@Xbox, and there are hundreds more in development. More than 1,000 studios across the globe are creating games using ID@Xbox development kits, with Xbox shipping more kits weekly!

More than 30 developers who are bringing their games to Xbox One via ID@Xbox were announced at the GDC and there are many more to come. Microsoft is incredibly proud to be working with these visionaries and creators, who are making unique and innovative titles.

Some (but not all) of the ID@Xbox games being shown in San Francisco this week are included below, and be sure to check out the Xbox YouTube page for new trailers!

  • Bedlam (RedBedlam)
  • Beyond Eyes (Team17)
  • ClusterPuck 99 (PHL Collective)
  • Cuphead (Studio MDHR)
  • Earthlock: Festival of Magic (Snowcastle Games)
  • The Flame in the Flood (The Molasses Flood)
  • Fortified (Clapfoot Games)
  • Game 4 (The Behemoth)
  • Goat Simulator (Double Eleven)
  • LA Cops (Team 17)
  • Magic Duels: Origins (Wizards of the Coast)
  • Mighty No. 9 (Comcept)
  • Pixel Galaxy (Serenity Forge)
  • R.B.I. Baseball 15 (MLB.com)
  • Rivals of Aether (Dan Fornace)
  • Shadow Blade: Reload (Dead Mage)
  • Shovel Knight (Yacht Club Games)
  • SMITE (Hi-Rez Studios)
  • Submerged (Uppercut Games)
  • Super Dungeon Bros (React! Games)
  • SWORDY (Frogshark)
  • The Sun and Moon (Digerati Distribution and Marketing)
  • ZHEROS (Rimlight Studios)

For more information on all the latest ID@Xbox games check out the Xbox Wire.

“Forza Horizon 2” Rockstar Energy Car Pack Availability

Where can you drive Tanner Foust’s Global Rallycross Beetle? In Forza Horizon 2!

Earlier this week Xbox announced details of the Rockstar Energy Car Pack for “Forza Horizon 2” on Xbox One, which brings five thrilling cars to the 200+ car line-up featured in the game.

The free car for March is the Acura Integra Type-R, a high-revving, front-wheel-drive masterpiece that will have many JDM fan boys jumping for joy.

The Rockstar Energy Car Pack for Forza Horizon 2 for Xbox One is available from the Xbox Live Store for $6.65. Here’s a closer look at the cars in the pack:

  • 2014 Volkswagen Beetle GRC
  • 2015 Subaru WRX STI
  • 1996 BMW 850CSi
  • 2015 Jaguar XFR-S
  • 1970 Volkswagen #1107 Desert Dingo Racing Stock Bug
  • 2001 Acura Integra Type-R

View the video for this latest car pack and all the latest Forza Horizon 2 news at the Xbox Wire.


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andrew@impulsegamer.com'


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