Xbox Exec Explains How Project Helix Will Bridge the Xbox/PC Game Development Gap

Microsoft is continuing the Project Helix developer story after announcing the upcoming availability of the alpha version of its new console hardware at GDC. Chris Carla, the former head of the ID@Xbox program and now general manager of portfolio and programs at Xbox, dicussed with IGN how game developers can prepare for developing next-gen Xbox games.

At GDC, Microsoft confirmed that Project Helix will be “breaking down the barriers between console and PC games.” The next Xbox consoles will be able to run both Xbox console and PC games, which will be a first for a gaming console. However, if Project Helix is a PC that can play games from Steam and other stores just fine, it’s not immediately clear why developers would spend resources to create “native” Project Helix games.

According to Carla, Microsoft’s goal is to allow developers to work on a single game build that will run on PC, Project Helix, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. “We’re working hard so developers can make one Xbox build in the future and it’ll run on their Project Helix console, on PC and on streaming and cloud surfaces like smart TVs and other devices,” the exec told IGN.

This “build once, runs everywhere” idea sounds a lot like the now-abandoned universal (UWP) apps for Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile that few developers embraced 10 years ago. On the Xbox front, Microsoft also launched its Xbox Play Anywhere initiative 10 years ago, allowing game developers to sell the same game on Xbox and PC with cross-saves support. However, while there are now over 1,500 games on the Microsoft Store that support Xbox Play Anywhere, this is something game developers have been slow to support.

“Someone looking to be ready for next-gen with Xbox should be developing for Xbox console today, developing for Xbox on PC, and supporting Xbox Play Anywhere,” Carla told IGN. “That’ll put you in pole position for the next generation and ensure your Xbox on PC game runs natively on Project Helix.”

The exec added that PC game developers new to the Xbox ecosystem will be able to continue to prioritize their PC build before doing any extra optimization work for Project Helix. “In a lot of cases, if you’re coming from a Steam or stock PC build, it may be smarter to start with the Xbox for PC version first and then use that as the basis for the Xbox console version. Of course, we’ll have more details about how developers can take advantage of the specific hardware features of Project Helix in the months ahead, but doing this ensures they’ll have a native build on Project Helix,” Carla explained.

Overall, I wouldn’t be surprised if Microsoft’s plans for Project Helix still sound quite confusing for console gamers expecting a curated experience. Game developers may have no incentive to release “native” Project Helix games if their PC games run just fine on the new console. Moreover, Microsoft has yet to confirm if it plans to continue putting online multiplayer behind a paywall for Project Helix games. This wouldn’t make sense if PC games running on Helix won’t have anything like that.