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Indiana Jones' launch is imminent as I write this, and the game is absolutely fantastic.
However, we’re not here to talk about what might seem odd about the game today.
Avowed was the first “Xbox” PC game to show up on Battle.net, to raised eyebrows.
We’re here to talk about the odd fact that Microsoft is advertising it on Battle.net right now.
Battle.net is Blizzard’s iconic launcher.
So we have to ask, what’s going on here?
Avowed was the first “Xbox” PC game to show up on Battle.net, to raised eyebrows.
Is it a big deal?
Is it a simple experiment, or part of a grander plan?
Let’s explore, for fun.
The Diablo IV expansion “Vessel of Hatred” forced Xbox players to buy the game twice to access new content across PC and console even if they had Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Battle.net IS better than the Xbox PC app …
I wrote an article some months ago about what Microsoft should do with the Xbox app on PC.
It also, like Battle.net, gives you access to your Xbox internet friends.
Now, we have a large ad for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle up on Battle.net, despite the game not being actively available there. Huh?
Yeah … it’s getting a bit weird.
The issue for the longest time with the Xbox app on PC was its quality.
Battle.net has a monstrous amount of digital footfall.
If I’m understanding the text right, people who have linked their Game Pass account to Battle.net will be able to grab Avowed without paying for it straight from the Battle.net client.
Microsoft has also gradually convinced third-party developers to jump on board too.
The recent Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection, for example, has Xbox Play Anywhere.
Many games hitting Xbox Game Pass also come withXbox Play Anywhereas standard.
But as of writing, it’s not always the case with Blizzard’s content.
And sure, a lot of this stuff is likely teething problems and integration timelines.
Most likely Microsoft is working towards getting Blizzard games fully integrated with Xbox and PC Game Pass.
… but the Xbox PC app has gotten A LOT better, and is future-proofed too.
It’s true that the Xbox app for PC has gotten better.
It delivers games consistently.
The features have improved too (although… what I wouldn’t give for cloud saves indicators).
In any case, that’s part of the issue here too.
Microsoft has been developing the Xbox app for PC specifically for multi-machine use scenarios.
It’s far better than Battle.net on touch screens too.
Trying to sign into Diablo IV on Battle.net via ASUS ROG Ally is not exactly an intuitive experience.
Chat and socials via Battle.net are far faster and more deeply integrated with the games themselves.
The brand is iconic too, and synonymous with PC gaming.
And then, of course, there is the user base itself.
There are tens of millions of users streaming through Battle.net every day.
What if Battle.net had a growing library of third-party content from Xbox and beyond?
Would all the extra noisehurtBlizzard’s games?
I’m sure that’s what some of these experiments are designed to determine.
An experiment that might go nowhere, or hints of a bigger plan?
Indiana Jones, however, is literally just a banner ad that links out to Xbox.com.
Could shifting the PC Game Pass audience to Battle.net boost Game Pass in general?
Could moving Microsoft’s vast library of games to Battle.net help boost Blizzard’s other franchises?
Could third-party partners like EA and Ubisoft or even indie studios benefit from Microsoft moving over to Battle.net?
Would it actually be cheaper than continuing to make the Xbox app for PC “happen?”
Is Battle.net just a better brand for growing a PC store to compete with Steam or Epic Games?
What Idon’tthink, is that Microsoft corporate will want to maintain both platforms simultaneously long term.
I’m sure all of these questions are running through Microsoft’s analysts' minds right now.
