The new Xbox GDK takes another step to equalize the gaming experience on PC and console.
More stories in the category Updates
- A new update for the Xbox Series controller is available with these changes
- GTA 6 is delayed, but it’s nothing new: Rockstar has been repeating the pattern for two decades
- These are the next steps we will see with GTA 6
| Don't miss anything and follow us on Google News! |
During October, Microsoft released a new version of the Game Development Kit (GDK), the set of tools used by developers to create games on Xbox and Windows. Although it’s not a visible update for players, its effects will be noticed in the coming months with better-optimized titles and a more consistent experience across devices.
This version of the GDK reinforces the unified ecosystem that the company has been promoting for years, allowing PC, Xbox consoles, and even xCloud to share a common technical base. In practice, this reduces development times and simplifies compatibility between versions, ensuring that the same game can adapt to different environments without starting from scratch.
Xbox GDK: More Integration, More Shared Features
One of the most notable improvements in this update is the expanded support for keyboard and mouse on Xbox consoles, a constant request from players who use both devices on PC. Thanks to these new APIs, titles like Astroneer or The Outer Worlds, which until now offered partial compatibility, will be able to take full advantage of control without limitations or interface failures.
| Feature | Description | Impact for the Player |
|---|---|---|
| Expanded Keyboard and Mouse Compatibility | Native support on Xbox consoles has been improved, correcting errors in cursors, inputs, and device detection. | More games will be able to be used with keyboard and mouse, just like on PC. |
| Improved Cross-Save | New APIs allow synchronizing progress between Xbox, Microsoft Store, and Steam without the need for external servers. | Saved progress and games available on all platforms. |
| Unified Optimization between PC, Console, and Cloud | The GDK integrates common environments for games on Windows, Xbox, and xCloud. | A more stable and fluid technical experience, with no noticeable differences between versions. |
| Expanded Support for Portable Windows Devices | The GDK now recognizes optimization tags for portable consoles and low-power PCs. | Games will work better on devices like ROG Ally or Lenovo Legion Go. |
| Standardization of the MSIXVC Format | All games created with the GDK use this packaging format for installation and updates. | Faster downloads and less heavy updates. |
| Unified Xbox Services APIs | Improved integration of achievements, multiplayer, and online services across all platforms. | Achievements, profiles, and friends shared between Xbox and PC. |
| Updated GDKX Tools for Consoles | The version specific to Xbox hardware improves performance and simplifies testing on Series X and Series S. | More stable games with reduced loading times. |
| Compatibility with DirectStorage 2.2 | New version of the technology that accelerates access to SSD data. | Reduced loading times and fewer stutters when exploring open worlds. |
Another key novelty is the implementation of cross-saves between Xbox, the Windows Store, and external platforms like Steam, a feature that until now required proprietary servers from studios. With this integration, developers will be able to offer shared and synchronized progress, bringing the concept of “Play Anywhere” that defines Xbox’s philosophy closer than ever.
Microsoft itself has pointed out that this evolution of the GDK paves the way for portable devices with Windows and for a future generation of consoles that will share architecture, services, and licenses. In simple words, we are getting closer to an ecosystem where playing on Xbox or PC will be exactly the same experience.
Founder and editor of SoloXboxOne and Generación Xbox. He is also one of the owners of the GX Group, Samsung Universe and the Reflotes forum. Adrian has reviewed over 200 games on the web and has an average score of 85 according to Opencritic. Among his expertise as a writer and analyst, he has interviewed Microsoft personalities and participated in private gaming events.
Related Post
