Opinion: The Unified Microsoft Theory

Microsoft has had a hot and cold relationship with PC gaming, and Windows practically became the dominant computer gaming platform almost in spite of itself. Even though there are numerous instances when Microsoft stressed the importance of PC gaming, its actions never seemed to match the rhetoric. For all intents and purposes, Microsoft executives seemed to understand conceptually that gamers made up a large segment of their users, but never really understood it. Or, to look at it more cynically, the company heads undervalued gaming until it was too late to properly capitalize on it.

The sad part is, it wasn't always like this. Microsoft's first wake-up call was with DirectX, which allows programs like games to bypass parts of the Windows operating system for direct access to hardware like the video card. It was scoffed on when it was first proposed, and a team of dedicated programmers had to essentially work on their own to make sure it was included in Windows 95. The technology took off in a huge way, starting with a short video where a shotgun wielding Bill Gates walked around with Doom as his backdrop, and now DirectX is one of the cornerstones of any Windows launch.

DirectX and Windows 95 brought a period when Microsoft took PC gaming very seriously, and Microsoft Game Studios was a major PC developer and publisher. Games like Age of Empires, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Age of Mythology, and Freelancer still recognizable and respected titles. Microsoft even offered the Sidewinder series of gaming accessories, like joysticks and gamepads, which actually weren't half bad. Then it all gradually came to an end around the same time the original Xbox was introduced. Coincidentally, the time overlaps with the Windows XP era, when fantastic games like the Call of Duty series and Half-Life 2 launched.

Microsoft's priorities shifted in a big way, and it seemed clear that Windows gaming was taking a backseat as the Xbox 360 rose to its height of popularity. Steam was created as a direct result of Microsoft's indifference to PC gaming, since Valve wanted more gaming support from the Windows platform. Microsoft refused, and Valve took it upon itself to create a platform that would grow to become a dominant force in PC gaming. It was the first in a series of mistakes that made Microsoft appear out of touch, and forever stuck playing catch up.

Games for Windows Live was meant to compete with Steam by handling player communications and matchmaking. It was supposed to be Microsoft's big move toward renewing its support for gaming on Windows, and it launched alongside Windows Vista, which was also marketed toward gamers. Halo 2 was ported exlusively to Vista as incentive for gamers to upgrade, even though it didn't take advantage of DirectX 10. This was also around the time that the Games for Windows branding became more prevalent.

The GFWL service, with its Xbox-centric interface with a cross-platform Gamertag system hit a lot of snags. First, there was the two-tiered membership plan that required users to pay in order to access completely underutilized features like cross-platform multiplayer with the Xbox 360. The service meant to become a fully integrated part of Windows, but wound up being in-game only instead. It didn't help that many though the service was subpar, with unreliable matchmaking, and a redundant service to Steam. Ultimately, the service came to be seen as little more than an intrusive DRM system.

There was a lot of resentment from the gaming community and the service never managed to match the popularity of Steam. Some went so far as to actively avoid games that used the service. Many developers began to abandon use of GFWL, and shifted over to Steamworks en masse when the rumored shutdown of the service surfaced. Microsoft eventually stated that GFWL would remain functional for existing games, but it was way too late. Once again, Microsoft was a victim of its own indifference.

Perhaps the whole Games for Windows Live debacle demonstrates how Microsoft should stick with the Xbox and leave the PC gaming alone. But that since Windows is a the heart of PC gaming, even as other platforms like MacOS, Linux, SteamOS and Android are on the rise, it doesn't make a lot of sense for Microsoft to leave it alone.

To be fair, Microsoft has never actually done anything to hurt PC gaming. But its perceived favoritism for Xbox, relative indifference toward PC gaming, and inability to grasp what gamers want, has made it an unwelcome presence. That's why when Phil Spencer's plan to unify the Windows 10 and Xbox experience was generally met with eye rolling. This again?

The Xbox boss can talk a big game with statements like, "Gaming was once central to what we did on Windows, but we lost our way. Now we hope to have a Windows release that’s the best Windows release for gamers." But so far, the proposals are kind of underwhelming. They include cross-platform play across a handful of upcoming games like Gigantic and Fable Legends; a wireless adapter so that Xbox One controllers and accessories will work on Windows 10; game DVR functionality; streaming support so that Xbox One games can be played on the PC, and communications between the two platforms built into Windows 10 using an Xbox app.

Streaming games from a console is an interesting feature, albeit one with limited value, as is showing off Xbox achievements if the feature isn't complimented with the ability to show off Steam achievements. The built-in DVR would be more impressive if video cards didn't already include free software capturing games, but the editor could be a useful touch. Using Xbox accessories on the PC is nothing new, but it could be more exciting if there were more PC games designed around the Xbox One controller. Otherwise, it might be better to just stick with the less expensive and widely supported Xbox 360 gamepad.

When all is said and done, the key emphasis should be on cross platform multiplayer. Although it might not be appropriate for every game, but should definitely work for fighting and cooperative games. How sad is it that Sony managed to lock in Street Fighter V exclusivity, which promises cross-platform play between the PS4 and PC months before Windows 10 was officially unveiled? Microsoft is already playing catch-up again.

Still, there is the hope that Microsoft can come out ahead and deliver on the promise of a unified gaming experience. Unlike previous versions, Windows 10 is being designed as a more universal operating system that extends into PC, mobile, and console development. It could end up being very easy for developers to bridge their games across systems, giving PC and Xbox One gamers a chance to be on the same field.

The major question is, do PC and console gamers want to play together? More importantly, will they agree to Microsoft's terms for doing so? Or will the whole idea fall to the wayside like GFWL did? Microsoft needs some killer apps, and as fun as Gigantic and Fable Legends might be, they won't be enough. There needs to be big support from developers to help bring a universal experience. That could mean convincing developers to create PC versions of games like Rock Band 4 or Guitar Hero Live, which are games that are associated with a living room console experience - and it can't be a cop-out like streaming. An experience that's anchored to the Xbox One doesn't exactly cry out PC gaming.

Microsoft is expected to hold a presentation during E3 this year, where it will lay out its planned support for PC gaming in further detail. Let's hope that it doesn't end up making the same mistakes again.