Microsoft needs to create its own Steam

With the Xbox One, Microsoft has pushed Xbox Live much further. However, there is something that is still missing. That something is not exactly related to the Xbox One, but to Windows .

And right now, games for Windows do not exploit even a part of the potential that Xbox Live and the integration with the cloud and with the Xbox console could have. For this very reason, Microsoft should create its own Steam-style platform. And it wouldn't be difficult: you already have practically everything you need for it.

Only by casual games does man not live

"

If you go to the Games section>"

Xbox Live is relegated to more casual gaming.

But what if you go outside of the Windows Store? Games integrated with Xbox Live disappear. The Origin or Steam stores completely ignore Xbox Live, so Xbox Live is relegated to the most innocent games.

This is Microsoft's first problem. The Xbox Live framework is already there, working on all three platforms (Windows, Windows Phone, and Xbox) but it's being ignored on Windows by major developers. The solution? Encourage great titles to be distributed through the Windows Store and thus be able to integrate them with Live. That the Windows store is also a place where you can buy any game you want.

Everything on all devices

Another reason why Microsoft should create its own Steam is synchronization. Currently, more than synchronization, we are talking about all Xbox applications on different platforms accessing the same information about achievements, profiles and others. Xbox Live can be exploited much more .

How? Synchronizing all game information. I progress through Skyrim on my PC and then go on my Xbox and continue from the same point. I beat five levels in Angry Birds on the phone and on the tablet they show up as cleared. Everything synchronized over the Internet, instantaneous and without difficulties.

Xbox Live may sync game status and purchases across all devices.

It is true that right now, game state synchronization is not impossible. Skulls of the Shogun, for example, syncs its levels between Windows Phone, Windows, and Xbox.However, Xbox Live could make it much easier, without the need for developers to implement the infrastructure themselves.

In fact, with Xbox One the status between consoles will already be synchronized. Going from there to also syncing with computers and phones shouldn't be too difficult.

There's one more way to take advantage of Xbox Live: purchases shared across all your devices. You pay for Call of Duty Ghosts on PC and it downloads not only there, but also on Xbox.

It would seem like a waste of money for the studios, but I don't think so. Few people buy the same game twice, once for the console and the other for the computer, and even less at the price they are. In fact, something like that would be more of an incentive to buy the games, a kind of 2 for 1 offer that would attract more players.

Compete or integrate?

What should Microsoft do to create its own Steam? Integrate with existing stores or go on the sidelines with Xbox Live?

The answer seems clear: Microsoft cannot have partners in this project. While it's true that they would greatly benefit from Xbox Live games being distributed via Steam and Origin, I don't think Valve or EA want to lose their identity on their own distribution platforms.

"Also, that Microsoft Steam>"

If they do it, and do it well, Microsoft has a lot to gain. It is the only one capable of providing an integrated gaming experience on all devices, and if developers take advantage of the possibilities that this would open up, having the Microsoft pack (phone, tablet, PC and console) will be really attractive for all users.

In Xataka Windows | All about Xbox One