Xbox’s Next Big Move? A Cross-Platform Makeover

Xbox is reportedly cooking up a cross-platform user interface—imagine an Xbox guide menu that travels with you, no matter what device you’re gaming on.

According to a Windows Central report, the initiative is dubbed Project Rainway—sounds fancy, right? Blizzard’s Battle.net allegedly inspires the initiative. Think of the seamless in-game social features from Hearthstone, Diablo IV, or World of Warcraft. If Microsoft pulls this off, you could see Xbox-flavoured social tools, cloud saves, and other nifty features popping up even on non-Xbox platforms.

This isn’t just a side hustle for Microsoft; it’s a glimpse into their gaming strategy’s future. CEO Satya Nadella recently doubled down on their vision to make Xbox accessible on all devices. Translation? The days of exclusive Xbox console games dominating the roster are becoming a rarity.

If you’ve seen Xbox’s latest marketing campaign, you know they’re driving the point home with a cheeky new slogan: “This is an Xbox.” The ads cleverly highlight what isn’t an Xbox (like bento boxes or bus stops) while showcasing what can play Xbox games—everything from your trusty mobile phone to the ROG Ally handheld.

Microsoft seems laser-focused on a gaming future that doesn’t care about the screen you’re using. Whether this ambitious project will succeed remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: the Xbox brand isn’t just about the console anymore—it’s everywhere you want to game.