When Microsoft updates their Windows operating system, they typically release it to a tester group first. This is called the “Insider ring,” and people can volunteer to be a part of it. The Insider ring is a special branch of updates for people brave enough to test them before they’re released to the public. Because it’s a testing ground for future updates, it also doubles as a sneak peek into what’s coming for Windows 10. Recently, Microsoft pushed a very interesting “gaming update” to insiders.
What’s Going On?
Microsoft’s latest update fleshes out technology dedicated entirely to gaming. They haven’t revealed much information on what this technology is yet; they’ve just claimed that they want to help Windows 10 handle games better. It’s implied that this update is the first of many, which will help shape Windows 10’s gaming technology over time.
While we don’t have solid details just yet, we can glean some information about what might be coming up. One of Microsoft’s panels for the upcoming GDC is called “Xbox Live: Growing & Engaging Your Gaming Community Across Platforms,” and states the following as their objective:
Get a first look at the SDK to enable game developers to connect players across platforms.
This batch of updates may very well be preparing Windows 10 for cross-platform play. With games such as Minecraft spanning all kinds of devices, this would definitely be a welcome addition if it turns out to be true!
Also read: Latest Windows Update Problems and How to Fix Them
A Special Surprise
Microsoft realises that not everyone who is on the Insider ring will have many video games to test the new technology with. That’s why they announced that people who are in the Insider ring can claim a limited amount of copies of the game “State of Decay,” For people who are late to the party, Microsoft reassured them that more spots will open up in a few weeks for latecomers.
Once you have the game, be sure to give it a try! The reason Microsoft is giving away the game in the first place is to get feedback on any crashes and problems that may occur during installation and gameplay. You get a free game, and you help Microsoft develop their gaming platform better – it’s a win-win!
Should I Get the Update for the Game?
If you do decide to get this update in order to get a free game, be very careful about installing it onto a personal computer. The update contains a lot of bugs and flaws, most of which Microsoft already know about. For instance, the update in its current state does not support BattleEye, which Fortnite and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds use as their anti-cheat software.
As such, it’s best to put this update on a PC you don’t use as your main PC so that any bugs and errors that crop up don’t mess up your daily life. You can read how to get onto the Insider program, as well as claim your free copy of “State of Decay,” on the Xbox website.
Game On
While we don’t know any solid details about this new gaming focus for Windows 10, we do know you could get a free game out of it! Hopefully, Microsoft will reveal more on what they want from Windows 10 and gaming.
What do you hope will be added to Windows with these gaming updates? Let us know below.
