Windows 8 Bringing Xbox360 Games To PC?

By: Kareem 

Yes you read that right, according to the rumors on the web this morning Microsoft is planning to bring Xbox360 games and the Xbox marketplace to Windows 8. The details are scarce, and although Microsoft hasn’t announced anything officially yet, this would be a huge move in a great direction for Ballmer and co.

Here’s the nitti gritty on what I could find.

First off the integration; if the rumors are to be believed then the entire Xbox360 dashboard you get on your console will be available on Windows 8 PC’s as well. Not only that, but Windows 8 will be including drivers that allow DVD drives to read Xbox360 games.  There’s nothing about cross-platform playability (i.e. will PC users be able to game with Xbox360 users?) But I would have to wager that it’s technically possible, and most likely going to happen. I mean it’s basically like shoving an Xbox360 emulator into Windows 8 so it should work the same allowing access for all.

There’s no mention on how pricing is going to work, it’s pretty much expected new subscribers will have to pay the $50 a year to get access. What isn’t expected/known is whether or not Microsoft plans to add an extra $10-$20 a year for the added PC use. I hope not but I don’t see why they wouldn’t try to squeeze every last dime out of their customers. So expect it.

Lastly my opinion on the whole thing: I think the idea of moving the Xbox360 to the PC via Windows 8 is on of the best ideas Microsoft has had in a while. If it turns out to be true it could have huge implications for big M, and be a sign of some bigger things Microsoft is planning. 

Related Stuffs:

• Source: MetroWNY
• Article: Xbox Live Will Be Built In Into Windows 8
• Article: Play Xbox360 Games on PC – Windows 8