Rumors of Microsoft’s next major upgrade for Windows are starting to gain momentum, just two years after the release of Windows 11. With Apple recently announcing macOS Sonoma and its focus on gaming with features like Game Mode and the Game Porting Kit, it’s time for Microsoft to make a strong push towards gaming with Windows 12.
Since its debut, Windows 11 has received several updates and improvements to key features such as the Taskbar and Windows Explorer. However, the pressure is on for Microsoft to keep PC gamers engaged, especially with Apple’s recent advancements in gaming on macOS.
To solidify its position in the gaming world, Windows 12 should further integrate the Xbox app and the Game Bar across all games on a PC, not just those bought via the Microsoft Store. Currently, users can access the Xbox app in Windows 11 and download games they’ve purchased on both Xbox and PC or through GamePass. They can also enjoy features like Achievements and Party mode. The Game Bar, accessed by pressing Win + G, provides an overlay for tasks like taking screenshots, checking online friends, and monitoring system performance while gaming.
While Windows 10 and 11 have seen updates to these features, such as HDR mode and controller support for the Game Bar, Windows 12 needs to take gaming integration even further. Microsoft has expressed its commitment to making its services available on multiple platforms, including bringing Xbox Game Pass to streaming platforms like GeForce NOW. With Windows 12, it’s time to expand gaming possibilities.
Introducing an “Xbox Achievements Platform” would be a great start, allowing gaming vendors like GOG, Steam, and Epic Games to incorporate Microsoft’s feature into all the games they offer, even those released before Xbox existed. People enjoy earning gamerscore and showing it off to friends and family, so expanding this feature across platforms would be a welcome addition.
Additionally, Windows 12 should enhance the Game Bar to enable streaming platforms to utilize it with other devices. For example, when playing an Xbox game on GeForce NOW through an LG C3 TV, a simple button press could load the Xbox app on the screen.
Lastly, there’s an opportunity to create a gaming-focused interface within Windows 12. Instead of the typical boot process, users could press a specific key combination like Shift + Up to enter a pseudo-Xbox mode on their PC. This mode would present a dashboard where users can browse through their installed games using a keyboard or controller, bringing a console-like experience to PC gaming.
Apple’s Vision Pro headset and macOS Sonoma’s gaming features might attract developers to the Mac platform. To counter this, Windows 12 needs to hit the ground running with gaming enhancements. In today’s gaming landscape, players expect to enjoy their favorite games anywhere, so Microsoft must deliver a significant upgrade in the next version of Windows to convince gamers to continue playing on their platform.
As rumors continue to circulate and anticipation grows, PC gamers eagerly await the unveiling of Windows 12 and hope to see Microsoft’s commitment to gaming shine through with innovative features and seamless integration across the gaming ecosystem.
