Windows 10 app store experiences
- Thread starter WhoX
- Start date
The Windows Store is pretty much in its infancy still. It was launched with W8 (I think) and only now is starting to become somewhat useful IMO. There's a lot of really low effort shoddily made apps and only a handful of more "legitimate" things. Keep in mind this is the same platform used for Windows tablets and phones so a lot of what you'll find are just ported phone apps. They are making some big steps to improve it though. I don't have a source at the moment but I saw a headline that they were starting to go back through and remove the junkier apps. Also with the Anniversary Update for W10 at the end of July they made it so devs can pretty much rebuild a standard windows program exe into the API compatible with the Windows Store. I'm expecting to see a lot more useful software in the next year or two. They're also starting to push AAA titles now, like Forza.
DMGrier
VIP Member
I have used it and I think they still have a ways to go and personally I don't think they will ever reach there end goal. The problem with the goal they have is they are competing in a market where Android and iOS are king and the way apps make money is selling power. Apps on Android or iOS make money through selling at a low price in large quantities or through advertisement that more active users that equates to more money made. The problem for Windows is it lacks the use of it's platform to obtain this goal to attract developers. Sure one could argue that Windows 10 here in the next several years will be the most widely used OS on PC, the problem is though that people still use a PC like a PC and smart devices like smart devices. I will be watching someone work in Word and then pull out there phone to post to Facebook despite having a web browser with a full keyboard and that smart device is never a Windows Phone.
As for the games, I will be even more amazed if they pull this off. If memory serves me right look at Gears or War that is offered in the store, it recommends hardware that blows the xbox one out of the water. The other problem with games for Windows is the "Walled Garden Effect". If you buy a game there Microsoft has complete control over how you play and obtain the game. Why would I do that when I can use Steam and play the games from various versions of Windows, Linux and Mac OS. I think some of the titles such as Gears of War, Halo and Forza will sell well but Microsoft has a goal to be a competitor to Steam and I am sure they will fail.
Either way the more people in the game the more competition which leads to innovation. All I am saying is I wouldn't get to invested in the Windows environment as Android and iOS are not going away and both Google and Apple offer some impressive PC options as well for those who want the "eco system".
As for the games, I will be even more amazed if they pull this off. If memory serves me right look at Gears or War that is offered in the store, it recommends hardware that blows the xbox one out of the water. The other problem with games for Windows is the "Walled Garden Effect". If you buy a game there Microsoft has complete control over how you play and obtain the game. Why would I do that when I can use Steam and play the games from various versions of Windows, Linux and Mac OS. I think some of the titles such as Gears of War, Halo and Forza will sell well but Microsoft has a goal to be a competitor to Steam and I am sure they will fail.
Either way the more people in the game the more competition which leads to innovation. All I am saying is I wouldn't get to invested in the Windows environment as Android and iOS are not going away and both Google and Apple offer some impressive PC options as well for those who want the "eco system".
WhoX
Active Member
Yeah, I noticed some of the games in particular are poorly ported and/or were never intended to be played on the PC.
Any big titles such as: Battlefield, Call of Duty, Halo (FPS versions), etc, I won't purchase through the app store. The reasons you stated are also my concerns. There are some unique titles that I haven't found anywhere outside of the Xbox environment such as: Halo: Spartan Strike and Halo: Spartan Assault (both top down shooters). Along with Pinball FX2 they are some of my favorite games from the app store.
Some of the apps I've tried from the app store aren't as full featured as the same title I could get outside of the app store. It makes me a little gun shy about using the app store for any serious software purchases.
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