Xbox (Beta) App: Performance Updates and Mods
We have a great update to the Xbox (Beta) app on Windows 10, and I’m here to walk you through what’s happening! Some enhancements you won’t be able to see, but will totally notice, and some changes you’ll see and also notice. Updates are funny that way. Let’s jump in.
Let’s start with your feedback! Thank you for all your suggestions, comments, and reports to help us make the experience better for PC gaming. We’ve heard your feedback on download speeds, memory usage, and general app performance, and we’re excited to announce with this update, we’ve implemented some improvements to address this. Not to get too deep into the weeds, but we have rebuilt the Xbox (Beta) app from Electron to React Native, which streamlined the app experience. The app’s design will stay the same, and it will be even easier to download and play your games.
You’ll also notice a significant decrease in memory usage – we are using roughly a third of the memory we had prior to this update. Depending on your region, you should also be seeing improvements in game download speeds already; but we are still early in this journey and will continue to make further improvements.
Next up is mods. We have heard you: You want an easier way to mod your games while using the Xbox (Beta) app. We are excited to share some of the first steps we are taking to improve the mod experience. The Xbox (Beta) app now has an easy way for you to enable mods for select games where the game developer has chosen to enable them.
This bring-your-own-mod environment allows you to look at mods from different mod distribution sites, download the files that are of interest to you, and enable them on the Xbox (Beta) app.
For those of you interested in modding games in Xbox Game Pass for PC (Beta), here are some games that will support mods as of today:
- DiRT Rally 2.0
- Farming Simulator 17
- FTL: Faster Than Light
- Into the Breach
- MudRunner
Before you enable mods with any of your games though, we strongly encourage you to read through the FAQ.
We’re excited to get the ball rolling with these games and will work with our partners to add more over time!
So now is the time to run your updates!
Again, thank you to everyone providing feedback; having heard from you on both the app experience and mods, we’re excited to be making these updates available. And please, keep sharing! We are still listening and want to know what you like, and what can make this a better gaming experience for you. Keep sending us your feedback with the feedback hub or send us a tweet at @XboxGamePassPC.
Also, here’s my reminder – if you’re interested in checking all this out and you haven’t tried Xbox Game Pass for PC (Beta) yet, you can get your first month for $1 and try out some games for yourself. Gears Tactics, Age of Empires 2 DE, Outer Worlds all playable now, and Minecraft Dungeons, Flight Simulator coming soon! Cheers!
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Use your active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership to play games on Xbox One and Windows 10 PC (excludes Windows 10 in S mode and on ARM devices). Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes Xbox Game Pass for Console, Xbox Game Pass for PC, Xbox Live Gold and additional benefits.
Note: Purchase of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate automatically upgrades your existing Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass membership(s) to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at a conversion ratio each based on days remaining. Learn how this works at www.xbox.com/gamepass. Future code redemptions are also subject to a conversion ratio. Conversion ratio subject to change. All conversions to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate are final: Once converted, you cannot re-convert your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership back to a previous membership. Maximum 36 months of redeemed Xbox Game Pass Ultimate per account at a time, including any converted time from Xbox Live Gold and/or Xbox Game Pass (for PC or console).
Game titles and number vary over time and by country. Membership continues to be charged at the then-current price (subject to change; plus applicable taxes) unless cancelled. Cancel any time to stop your next scheduled charge; see account.microsoft.com/services. Notice before purchase of add-ons, DLC, consumables, virtual currency, or subscriptions (sold separately): If your membership terminates or a game is removed from the catalog, you must reactivate your membership or buy the game separately to continue using these items. ISP fees may apply. Age restrictions apply. Xbox Game Pass discounts are based on Microsoft Store price and are not combinable with other offers and are not redeemable for cash. Discount offers exclude titles within 30 days of launch and are not available with select titles. Number and content of Perks vary by region, platform, and over time, and must be redeemed by stated timeframe. Service, features, and requirements may change or be retired. Subject to the Microsoft Services Agreement (microsoft.com/msa). For PC: App download, Windows update(s), and storage required (xbox.com/pcgamesplan). System requirements vary by game; performance scales with higher end systems.
Sign in for your available offers. Promotional offers may not be valid for all members and are only available for a limited time. In Japan, Xbox Game Pass is only available for purchase to users 18 years and older. Offers not valid in Russia; other geographic restrictions may apply. After promotional period, subscription continues to be charged at the then-current regular price (subject to change), unless cancelled. Plus applicable taxes
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