The Epic GamesStore plans to launch on Microsoft's next Xbox console the day the hardware releases. Steve Allison, head of the storefront, confirmed the company's intention to be there from the start, signaling what could be a major shift in how console platforms handle third-party digital stores.
Allison discussed the evolving PC gaming hardware landscape, particularly handheld devices like the Asus ROG Xbox Ally. These devices boot into an Xbox app but also let players access other PC storefronts like Steam, GOG, and Ubisoft Connect. That hybrid approach appears to be the blueprint for Microsoft's next console generation.
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A New Era for Console Gaming?
Here's the thing: the Epic Games Store showing up natively on an Xbox console breaks from decades of closed platform ecosystems. What most players miss is what this means for game discovery and choice. If the next Xbox truly embraces a hybrid PC-console model, players could get direct access to the Epic Games Store's full PC library, including its exclusives, without needing a separate gaming rig.
Allison said discussions with Microsoft are ongoing, and the plan depends on Microsoft keeping its doors open to third-party storefronts. "We definitely plan to be on the new hardware for Xbox, because, unless their policy or stance on it changes, they are telling us they're going to welcome that," Allison said. "And we're going be there, like, on day one. That will probably require us to build in whatever their requirements are, some sort of software to support that."
The Hybrid Console Vision
Speculation around Microsoft's next console has pointed toward a hybrid system that runs both traditional Xbox console games and PC titles. Sarah Bond, Xbox president, previously hinted that the next console would share some of the "thinking" behind devices like the Asus ROG Xbox Ally, pointing toward versatility and expanded access.
For handheld PCs like the Xbox Ally, Epic's initial focus was building dedicated apps, since the current setup often redirects users to the standard PC launcher. But improving the core Epic Games Store and launcher comes first before optimizing for new form factors. That foundational work will carry over to any future console integration.
What This Means for Players
The Epic Games Store arriving on the next Xbox console could deliver several benefits:
- Increased Game Access: A bigger selection of PC games, including Epic exclusives, directly on console.
- More Choice: Players could pick where to buy their digital games, potentially benefiting from competitive pricing or promotions across storefronts.
- Unified Library: The possibility of managing both console and PC game libraries in one place.
Pro tip: This could also mean certain web3 games, which often launch exclusively on PC storefronts or their own launchers, might get a more direct path to console players through the Epic Games Store integration, expanding their reach significantly.
Background on Epic's Store Strategy
Epic Games has been aggressively expanding its storefront's reach through high-profile exclusive deals and free game giveaways. The company is also working to bring the Epic Games Store to mobile platforms, including iOS, as part of its push to become a ubiquitous digital games marketplace. This console move fits that broader strategy perfectly, aiming to establish the Epic Games Store as a primary destination for game purchases across all major gaming devices.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does "day one" availability mean for the Epic Games Store on the next Xbox? It means the Epic Games Store would be accessible on the new Xbox console the moment the console launches, potentially as a native app offering access to its PC game library.
Will this mean all Epic Games Store titles will be playable on the new Xbox? The goal is to provide access to its PC game library, but specific compatibility details depend on the console's architecture and any software requirements Epic Games needs to meet.
How might this impact Microsoft's own Xbox Store? Introducing a competitor storefront could increase competition in game pricing and offerings, potentially benefiting consumers with more choices and deals on digital titles.
