The new Game Pass sounds, in short, just like the console equivalent that launched in June 2017. It's not clear, though, how much the PC service will cost and if you'll need separate subscriptions for both platforms. Microsoft says it will be "sharing more at E3," including "when and how you'll experience the new Xbox Game Pass service for PC gamers," so stay tuned.

But that's not all. Today, Microsoft announced its intention to release more PC games on Steam, and other storefronts, "at launch." In a blog post, Spencer confirmed that Gears 5 and Age of Empires I, II & III: Definitive Editions will be coming to Valve's marketplace. They will build on the 20 or so Microsoft games that are already available through Steam, and its promise to bring Halo: The Master Chief Collection to the platform this year.

Clearly, Microsoft is trying to position itself as a neutral, player-first organization on PC. It's also an obvious shot at Epic Games, which has riled some PC players with its various exclusivity deals on the Epic Games Store. "You should have choice in where you buy your PC games," Spencer said.

Last, but certainly not least: the Microsoft Store will soon support native Win32 apps. That means developers can distribute the same file on Steam, the Epic Games Store and the Microsoft Store -- they won't have to bother with the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) API, if that's their preference. The move should make it easier, and more attractive, for companies to distribute their games through the Microsoft Store. That could expand its catalog and, possibly, make it a more relevant storefront for PC gamers.

"It's critical that we make decisions that reinforce the open nature of the PC, focusing on how best to unite players on all devices around the games they love," Spencer said. "That philosophy will guide us as we introduce new ways to discover and play games on Windows." For Microsoft, the strategy is simple: offer Xbox-branded games and services, including Game Pass, to as many people as possible. We already know that Xbox Live -- including your achievements, clubs and friends list -- are coming to Android, iOS and Switch games. Throw in Project xCloud, a still-in-development game streaming service, and you can imagine a future where the Xbox brand is literally anywhere and everywhere.

Video

Presenter: Chris Velazco

Script: Chris Velazco

Script Editor: Dana Wollman

Editor: Kyle Maack

Producer & Camera: Michael Morris