All of the titles with this branding also support many popular Xbox network features that are common with regular Xbox One console games such as Xbox Achievements and free cloud saves.
Can I Be Signed in to the Same Game on My Xbox Console and My PC?
Yes, you can. Anytime you play your game, progress is saved on the Xbox network, which is cloud-based. That means that, regardless of where you play a game, you can always start playing again from the same spot in the game on another device. All your saves, game add-ons, and achievements go where you go.
Should I Buy Games on Windows 10 or Xbox One?
It doesn’t matter. All Xbox Play Anywhere video games support full cross-buy functionality, which means that if someone purchases an Xbox Play Anywhere game on their Xbox One console, they will automatically gain the Windows 10 version for free. However, they must use the same Microsoft/Xbox account on both their console and PC. The reverse is true for those who buy a title on their Windows 10 device in the Windows Store app. There are no extra steps necessary beyond buying the game, and it doesn’t matter which device you make the purchase on.
How to Spot an Xbox Play Anywhere Video Game
While all Xbox Play Anywhere games support Xbox network features such as leaderboards, friends, Xbox Achievements, and cloud saves, not all games with the Xbox branding support Xbox Play Anywhere. Games that support Xbox network features can be identified by the Xbox Play Anywhere icon. This will usually have the words Xbox network, Xbox 360, or Xbox One written on it. Games with Xbox 360 and Xbox One written on their graphics are available on their respective consoles while those that use the Xbox Live label can be found on Windows 10 devices. Xbox Play Anywhere functionality is listed within the video game’s description in the digital storefront, usually near the title and under the “Ways you can play” subheading.
Xbox Play Anywhere Is Digital Only
The cross-buy benefits of Xbox Play Anywhere titles only extend to the digital versions of the games. Buying the digital version of ReCore on Xbox One, for example, will unlock the Windows 10 version for free but purchasing the physical disk version of ReCore for Xbox One will not.
Do Xbox Play Anywhere Games Work on All PCs?
When buying games with the Xbox Play Anywhere label, there are two things to check: Your PC’s operating system and its hardware profile. Xbox Play Anywhere will only work on PCs running Windows 10. So in addition to the added security benefits of upgrading your device, installing Windows 10 will provide a better gaming experience. The second thing to consider is your hardware compatibility with the game. Many games have certain memory and processor requirements. Thankfully, the official game listings within the Windows Store app in Windows 10 automatically tests a device for compatibility. This test can be found under the Features part of a listing and is visualized by green ticks and red crosses to indicate if the game will run properly. If there are green ticks next to all of the entries under System Requirements then you’re good to go. If you’re presented with several red crosses, or if you get a message saying, “Your device must meet all the minimum requirements to open this product,” then you may need to buy a more powerful computer. Keep in mind that all games are different and while some may not run on your current computer, others may.
5 Xbox Play Anywhere Games to Try
The number of video games that support Xbox Play Anywhere continues to increase on a regular basis. Here are five titles to get you started whether you’re playing on Xbox One or Windows 10.
Killer Instinct: Killer Instinct is a reboot of the popular fighting game from the 90s of the same name. This game is free to download and play, however, characters must be purchased before they become playable. There is one free character to play that rotates on a weekly basis in the regular version of the game. There are several bundles available to buy, which come with a variety of characters. Killer Instinct may be considered too violent for younger players but teenagers and older should be fine. ReCore: This female-led adventure game features a good mix of action and puzzle-solving that should keep most gamers entertained. ReCore was one of the first Xbox Play Anywhere video games and is made by the same creator of Metroid Prime, Keiji Inafune. Forza Horizon 3: By far one of the most visually impressive racing games ever made, Forza Horizon 3 takes the open-world car franchise to Australia and explores the countries varied locations, including the beach, bush, outback, and cities. This game is ideal for any age group, though adults will appreciate the title’s attention to detail more than young players. Voodoo Vince: Remastered: Voodoo Vince is a 3D platformer that was first released on the original Xbox console back in 2003 and has now been remastered for a more modern experience. This title will appeal to fans of the 3D Super Mario Bros games. A Walk in the Dark: This 2D platformer boasts a unique artistic design that sets it apart from rivals and gives it an edge that other games in the genre lack. Fans of the traditional Super Mario Bros and Rayman games will get a lot of enjoyment out of this game.
