Microsoft is taking a significant step towards making its Xbox app the central hub for PC gaming, with a major update that adds hundreds of new titles to its platform. The company has announced that it is bringing nearly 400 PC games into the Xbox app, including titles from Japanese studios like Kemco and Kairosoft, as well as games like The Invincible by Double 11.

This move is part of a broader effort by Microsoft to make the Xbox app the go-to destination for PC gamers, regardless of whether they are part of the PC Game Pass or not. According to Chris Charla, general manager of content curation and programs at Xbox, the company has been working with partners to bring all PC games with Xbox features into the Xbox app, with a focus on "universal Xbox ownership" and seamless playability across console and PC.

The new titles added to the Xbox app include over 100 games that are part of the Xbox Play Anywhere program, which allows players to purchase a game on Xbox console and play it on PC, and vice versa. This move is seen as a significant step towards creating a unified gaming ecosystem across Microsoft's platforms.

However, it's not entirely clear what Microsoft means by "bring all PC games with Xbox features into the Xbox app." The company has been trying to tempt game developers to its Windows-based store, even reducing its cut from 30 percent to 12 percent to make it more attractive. Despite these efforts, there are still many PC games that have cross-play between Xbox and PC versions but aren't part of the Microsoft Store or Xbox app. It will be interesting to see if Microsoft makes the bold move of listing Steam, Epic Games Store, or itch.io games in the Xbox app soon.

In addition to the new titles, Microsoft is also rolling out a new home UI for the Xbox app on Windows. The updated interface includes featured content from PC Game Pass and the Microsoft Store, alongside collections of deals and discounts. A "jump back in" section allows players to quickly get back into recent games, similar to the Xbox console experience.

Microsoft has promised to share more about its Xbox app plans at the Game Developers Conference in March. As the company continues to expand its gaming ecosystem, it will be interesting to see how it plans to integrate its various platforms and services to create a seamless gaming experience for players.

With this move, Microsoft is clearly signaling its intention to become a major player in the PC gaming market. By making the Xbox app a one-stop shop for PC gamers, the company is hoping to attract more developers and players to its platform. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how Microsoft's strategy plays out in the coming months and years.