Increasingly, it looks like ‘Xbox PC’ is the official branding for Microsoft’s Windows 11 gaming efforts

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Approximately three weeks past, Microsoft casually introduced fresh Xbox labeling through a blog post. However, it seems that we might encounter this new design more frequently in the time ahead.

Microsoft is putting twice as much effort into enhancing Windows 11 for PC gaming, focusing not only on handheld devices but also the overall gaming experience. The increased focus becomes even more apparent now due to comparisons with SteamOS that indicate significant improvements in performance and energy efficiency, although it may come at the cost of some of Windows 11’s general versatility.

So far, when discussing Microsoft’s gaming endeavors on PC, I’ve found the terminology a bit cumbersome. To clarify, I usually refer to these as “the Xbox app for PC” or “the PC Game Pass app,” as using just “Xbox app” could be ambiguous since there are also versions for Android, iOS, and the web. This way, it’s clear that we’re focusing on Microsoft’s efforts in the PC gaming space, rather than confusing it with Xbox consoles.

In their announcement of Gears of War: Reloaded for Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and PlayStation, Microsoft subtly unveiled a fresh label, “Xbox PC,” which refers to the Xbox application on personal computers, as mentioned in the initial blog post.

Many individuals caught on to the latest nickname, yet it wasn’t entirely clear whether it represented an official rebranding effort or merely a temporary label for a headline. Frankly, I had overlooked it, but recently, I’ve noticed the branding popping up in various spots as well.

In the latest sneak peek of the upcoming robot-themed exploration game “MIO: Memories in Orbit”, there is clear promotion for its release on both Xbox and PC platforms, marking a first for such branding in a trailer for a third-party production. If you’ve spotted it elsewhere, feel free to share in the comments below.

This implies that Microsoft is actively instructing its partners to use the term “Xbox PC” specifically when referring to games available on the Microsoft Store for Windows 11, even though these games are accessed via the Xbox app. In all likelihood, this term, “Xbox PC”, will be the name by which it’s recognized in the future.

Is it going to be Xbox PC vs Steam?!

During the upcoming Xbox Games Showcase 2025 on Sunday and Summer Game Fest’s live event on Friday, you might notice a significant amount of this new branding. I anticipate that it will be connected to Project Kennan, Microsoft’s collaborative PC gaming handheld device with ASUS, as well.

It’s a bit unusual that Microsoft hasn’t launched its new offering with the usual fanfare, but perhaps they’re aiming for earned respect instead of demanding it. After all, Steam is their primary rival in this arena, and Steam users are incredibly loyal. Xbox PC could offer an intriguing alternative due to features like PC Game Pass, cloud integration, and its own underestimated sales events. However, Steam’s platform maturity, extensive feature set, and overall dependability are aspects that “Xbox PC” will need to work diligently to match or surpass. Come on, w

Regardless, we’ve contacted Microsoft to confirm whether this branding will officially be used in the future.

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2025-06-04 20:39