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Microsoft adds game-friendly features to Universal Windows Platform

Mods and Steamworks support are in, even under UWP -- as are sync options and the ability to run Windows32 games under the scheme.

Christian Nutt, Contributor

March 30, 2016

1 Min Read

Today at its Build conference, Microsoft's Phil Spencer announced new game-friendly features it plans to implement under its Universal Windows Platform scheme. UWP allows developers to deliver Windows 10 apps to a variety of devices that support the OS.

Notably, the company is opening up support for user-generated mods and Steamworks support under UWP. Spencer demoed the Steamworks-enabled and mod-friendly Age of Empires II to showcase these features, PC Gamer reports.

"We have consistent input support with controller and mouse and keyboard across all of our devices, and distribution in the Windows Store or any other store," Spencer said.

At the conference, the company also announced that retail Xbox One units can now be used as dev kits

The company also announced the support of overlays and synchronization options, including the disabling of V-sync and support for Nvidia's G-Sync and AMD's FreeSync. 

Not all developers are in love with UWP, however. Epic Games' Tim Sweeney has written two editorials arguing against Microsoft's closed app distirbution system.

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