Could Windows on Arm finally support gaming effectively? Microsoft appears confident, though the reality falls short of expectations.
Microsoft started distributing the Xbox app across Windows on Arm devices this Wednesday. Beyond that, users can now install and run games directly on these machines instead of relying solely on cloud access. According to Microsoft, 85% of Game Pass titles available through the app support direct downloads and local execution.
This development marks a key advancement for Windows on Arm. Early efforts with Qualcomm's 8-series processors faced challenges in running even simple programs. Microsoft and Qualcomm collaborated extensively to address compatibility problems, fixing issues in areas like everyday office tools and network security software. About a year back, testing a Microsoft Surface Laptop equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor on Windows on Arm revealed smooth operation overall. That said, legacy printer software and support utilities continue to pose difficulties for the platform.
Gaming had not been a focus for Windows on Arm in personal use, where it primarily served productivity needs. Last autumn, Qualcomm introduced the advanced Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme, which outperformed older Intel processors in processor performance tests. At CES, Qualcomm unveiled a more compact version, the Snapdragon X2 Elite Plus, ahead of full laptop availability for the main model. Although direct gameplay testing wasn't possible, results from the 3DMark graphics evaluation stood out positively.
The current landscape divides systems into traditional x86-based gaming rigs and those powered by Qualcomm's Arm-based Snapdragon chips. In the past, opening the Xbox app displayed an option for cloud-based play, leveraging Microsoft's remote servers and hardware instead of the local device.
Qualcomm asserts that on its newest X2 series, titles optimized for 1080p at reduced graphics levels can achieve frame rates near 60fps. The firm has introduced a Snapdragon Control Panel, similar to Nvidia's GeForce Experience, offering driver updates and performance tweaks. Progress now hinges on enabling straightforward local game installations and executions, akin to standard gaming computers.
Seeing an Xbox app that allows local downloads for viewed titles feels like a positive shift. Regrettably, each of the three attempted installations encountered problems. The 2002 title Arx Fatalis, created by Arkane Studios of Dishonored fame, launched without audio, featured a prominent black box around the cursor, and displayed dialogue scenes in an isolated dark frame, which appeared incorrect.
The recent release Kill It With Fire 2 launched momentarily before crashing, accompanied by an error notification. Star Wars: Outlaws installed successfully alongside required Denuvo protection and Ubisoft tools, but failed to launch despite the app's indication of readiness, leaving the play button inactive.
This initial rollout disappoints for what might become a valuable gaming feature on Windows on Arm. Qualcomm committed to sufficient hardware capabilities for game execution, yet competitors have criticized it for not supporting a viable gaming environment. Ultimately, responsibility points to Microsoft for what resembles a superficial introduction of Snapdragon gaming support.
With productivity functionality mostly resolved, the priority shifts to ensuring reliable software integration. This pattern echoes prior platform developments.
Mark, a contributor to PCWorld for the past 10 years and a technology journalist with three decades of expertise, has produced more than 3,500 pieces for the outlet on subjects like PC components, accessories, and Windows software. His work has appeared in outlets such as PC Magazine, Byte, eWEEK, Popular Science, and Electronic Buyers' News, earning a Jesse H. Neal Award for news coverage. Recently, he cleared space in his workspace by donating numerous Thunderbolt docks and USB-C adapters.