On the one hand it is great that PC gaming is showing a resurgence, and gamers can look forward to Tomb Raider and Quantum Break are coming to the Windows 10 Store.
However, players are increasingly concerned about Microsoft’s track record when it comes to their efforts at games services and management.
What was previously know as Games for Windows Live (GFWL) is a horrible memory for many PC gamers.
Titles are now vanishing from the store, leaving gamers unable to play their rightfully owned titles. Would you trust Microsoft to not to the same in a few years time?
Perhaps there is some effort to migrate them to Windows 10 Store, but despite repeated promises, it looks like little is really happening.
Source for full report
Gamers Worried About Windows 10 Store - Windows 10 News and Updates
It is a bit concerning, with Microsoft's track record and the fact that all the files are encrypted, meaning no modding or anything. Likely also makes it difficult to back up your game installs for OS reinstalls.
Hopefully MS gets it right this time, but we'll have to wait and see.
Whether games might vanish is one thing, but I'm shaking my head in disbelief on these points:
"Developed as Universal Apps, the likes of Tomb Raider have some annoying limitations that will have high-end gamers missing much-loved functions.
•Borderless full screen mode enforced
•This reduces performance and automatically adds V-Sync, resulting in input lag.
•No support for G-Sync or FreeSync.
•No CrossFire support.
•No support for FRAPS or other monitoring tools"
On the Windows store version of Tomb Raider, no SLI/Crossfire support because of enforced borderless mode, required V-Sync on, etc all things Microsoft thinks PC gamers should be willing to give up just so the game can be played on multiple platforms. This can't be Microsoft's understanding of PC gamers. Seems more like an "X Box" view of things.
At least I see that the (upset) PC gamers are finding workarounds for SLI support, forcing it with Nvidia Inspector (link below) but they shouldn't have to do that. I'm thinking about buying Rise of the Tomb Raider given that from the progress in their latest patches (SLI improvements, etc) Square Enix at least is obviously thinking of PC gamers. Definitely won't buy it from the Windows Store.
Windows 10 Store version - trying to edit settings.dat to enable exclusive Full Screen. Need for SLI :: Rise of the Tomb Raider General Discussions
This is the problem for me with buying digital content from these stores
Once it is pulled from the store you lose access to it
I have had this issue with movies bought in windows 8 & 10, so I personally would be wary of spending money on a digital game from the store
I would really like to give Quantum Break a shot, but with the news that it's a Windows Store exclusive on PC, I don't see that happening. While I'd like to see the Windows Store eventually be a stable and trustworthy as Steam, it will take a long time for it to prove that it is, which sadly means that I'm likely going to miss out on some good games.
no exclusive fullscreen support on windows store games , vsync you cant turn off , possibility of gsync not working . . . no thanks :P
I hear you, Archie
Blackrose: I guess you have seen the game specs on Quantum Break. Your specs (now that you got rid of SLI) are right on with the recommended specs. Man, finally a Direct X12 game but Microsoft seems to be trying to make sure there is no Steam competition. So its to be played Microsoft's way, or the highway. I'll be interested to see PC gamers comments and reviews when it comes out, especially SLI users.
Quantum Break on PC requires Windows 10, DirectX 12 - TechSpot
Yeah, I'm wondering if it doesn't sell as well as they hope, if they'll end up releasing it to Steam. I'm really interested in the game, especially since I'll have my new build by then, but that whole Windows Store exclusive thing is just...eh...
I love the idea of Windows Store as a distribution platform, but I'm not loving the execution so far.
I agree. Do they not understand how important it is to get it right from the get go? Of course, perhaps greater minds than mine think they have it right. Does Dx12 need SLI profiles to optimize dual cards, how will the game work with 144HZ monitors (like mine), G sync, V sync issues. Doing it this way, they and Remedy have a lot riding on this one.
I love the idea of Windows Store as a distribution platform, but I'm not loving the execution so far.
