After the dust settled since Microsoft and Xbox revealed that Quantum Break will release on both XBox One and Windows 10 simultaneously, some have started to voice concerns over the fact that Quantum Break will exclusively launch through the Windows 10 Store. The Windows Store launched alongside Windows 8, as a distribution platform for games and apps. Microsoft, with the launch of Windows 10, pushed that umbrella to include full desktop applications and high demand games. Rise of the Tomb Raider, which is currently in the Top 10 most purchased games on the store, was the first.
A reddit user voiced concerns over the fact that the Windows 10 store does not support certain gaming requirements, and that it limits the freedom the Windows platform offers. Microsoft revealed that any full desktop app deployed to the Windows 10 store will be packaged in their Universal App Platform, and will be ‘installed’ on the users’ PC in a secure container. This will keep the application from infecting or changing the system files in such a way that the program cannot be fully uninstalled.
Issues with the Windows Store include (as pointed out by a Reddit user):
No SLI/Crossfire, Windows 10 store download is “Buggy”, No refund policy explained, Vsync is always on, Always borderless fullscreen, Game files are protected, Can’t launch it via the exe (So adding it as a non steam game will not work), No FPS/hardware monitor software works with it, You need to take control of the folder as admin if you want access to the files, Mouse software which lets you create custom binds for each game doesn’t work, Say bye to using SweetFX and Mods
Most of the issues are so called ‘non issues’, since not all gamers use or even care about gaining access to the protected file system, and because Piracy is such a massive concern on PC it makes sense for Microsoft to protect their investment by not allowing mods etc.
However the issue with dual SLI and Crossfire support is a major concern, since most PC gamers use or would like to use such a configuration. With /Build around the corner, it remains to be seen if Microsoft would fix these glaring issues, as a way to win back the gaming community on PC, especially after the debacle that was Games for Windows Live.
Quantum Break will release on Xbox One and Windows 10 on April 5th. If you purchase the XBox One version, you will get Alan Wake, Alan Wake American Nightmare and the Windows 10 version included.
