Some gaming developers have expressed their unwillingness to upgrade to Windows 8. For them, Windows 8 will be another OS disaster the likes of Vista. Moreover, they are afraid that Windows will shut down Origin and Steam, and implement a Windows Store exclusivity for all of its software.

As Markus Persson, creator of Minecraft and founder of Mojang, puts it, “if Microsoft decides to lock down Windows 8,it would be very, very bad for indie games and competition in general.”

Game developers criticize Windows 8 OS as a gaming avenue. (Image: bobfamiliar (CC) via Flickr)

Despite disapproval from gaming developers, Microsoft is assertively campaigning for Windows 8 as a platform for games. The new OS already integrates Xbox Live, and more backing will be given to Games for Windows Live. In fact, today’s Xbox and new versions in the future will rely heavily on Windows 8.

Furthermore, Windows Phone 8 will use the new OS. According to Christopher Flores, project director of Windows 8, “Windows 8 is able to serve both hardcore and casual gamers, with the power you’ve come to expect from a PC.”

Microsoft pointed out that older Windows games are still compatible in the new OS. In addition, the company has made plans regarding creating multiplayer games that can be played across all screens based on Windows 8, whether smartphone, tablet, console or PC.

However, Brad Wardell, Stardock CEO, has expressed skepticism. “Windows 8 is trying to be all things to all people, and thus failing to be good at anything in particular,” he said. “We hope to release software that will make Windows 8 more usable for desktop users, but I’d prefer if Microsoft had a more coherent strategy in the first place.”

About Neal Alfie Lasta

I enjoy learning and writing about social media and the latest in mobile updates.