Skip to main content

Xbox Game Preview, ID@Xbox titles coming to Windows 10 this year

While celebrating the third anniversary of its ID@Xbox program this week, Microsoft announced that “tons” of independently produced Xbox One games will hit Windows 10 over the next several years, with many “amazing” titles premiering by the end of 2016.

The publisher also announced plans to introduce a Windows 10 version of its Steam Early Access-styled Xbox Game Preview program, allowing PC gamers to preview and purchase in-development games before their official release.

Recommended Videos

Microsoft launched its ID@Xbox program in 2013 in a bid to attract independent developers and publishers to its Xbox One console. As part of the program, enrolled developers get free devkits and access to Unity middleware, along with support and publishing assistance from Microsoft and other affiliated companies.

Recent firmware updates for the Xbox One also made it easier for hobbyists to test their projects on retail units, among other developer-friendly additions. More than 300 ID@Xbox games have hit the Xbox One to date, including recent standouts like Playdead’s Inside, Psyonix’s Rocket League, and Versus Evil’s The Banner Saga.

“More than 300 games have shipped on Xbox One via the ID@Xbox program since Strike Suit Zero debuted in April 2014, and there are more than 1,000 (way more than 1,000!) games in development today for Xbox One and Windows 10,” ID@Xbox program director Chris Charla stated. “We’ve seen multiple million-sellers, and independent developers working through ID@Xbox have generated hundreds of millions of dollars in sales revenue in the Xbox Store.”

Charla additionally outlined Microsoft’s plans to introduce its Game Preview program on Windows 10 PCs starting later this year with the launch of Rockfish’s Everspace. Originally introduced as Xbox Game Preview in 2015, the Early Access-inspired program allowed in-progress Xbox One games like Elite: Dangerous, The Long Dark, and Sheltered to be sold digitally via the Xbox Store prior to completion.

“I’m super happy that we’re enabling PC gamers to preview and purchase work-in-progress digital titles, participate in the development process and help developers make Windows 10 games the best they can be,” Charla said. “We’ll have lots more games to talk about in Game Preview for Windows 10 soon.”

Danny Cowan
Former Contributor
Danny’s passion for video games was ignited upon his first encounter with Nintendo’s Duck Hunt, and years later, he still…
Windows 10 security risks are now more of a reality for users
Windows 11 and Windows 10 operating system logos are displayed on laptop screens.

It appears more and more Windows 10 users may be finally ready to let go of the legacy operating system ahead of the end of its life status on October 14. Microsoft has been urging system users to update to the latest Windows 11 software before that date and after months of ignoring the call, tens of millions of users are now opting in to the update.

Figures from StatCounter indicate that the percentage of Windows 10 usage has now dipped below 60% for the first time with 58.7% of global users running the system as of February 2025. Meanwhile, stats for Windows 11 are slowly creeping up toward 40% with 38.2% of global users running this version of Microsoft’s OS.

Read more
Everything announced at ID@Xbox Showcase February 2025
Concept art for Lies of P's DLC.

The ID@Xbox Showcase was held today, showcasing a slew of different games, several world premieres, and even a new Balatro expansion-inspired by some of your favorite Xbox franchises.

The Showcase was particularly roguelike-heavy, showing off several games like the rhythm-based Ratatan and the action-focused Echo Loop. Read on to find out everything announced, including a couple of unexpected games from classic developers.
Revenge of the Savage Planet is coming May 8
Revenge of the Savage Planet - Official Trailer | ID@Xbox

Read more
Windows 10 KB5051974 update adds a new app without asking
A Dell laptop with Windows 10 sitting on a desk.

Microsoft has released the KB5051974 cumulative update for versions 22H2 and 21H2, adding security fixes and patching a memory leak. However, as Bleeping Computer reports, the update also includes a surprise: the new Outlook for Windows app.

The update is mandatory because it includes the January 2025 Patch Tuesday security updates. Once you install it, you will notice the new app icon near the classic one in the Start Menu's apps section. Since the new app can operate concurrently, you don't have to worry about interfering with the old one.

Read more