“We currently only support Steam and EGS stores for PC”: A major upcoming sequel ditches Xbox PC and Xbox Play Anywhere — is this an emerging trend?
Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 is dropping support for Xbox PC and Xbox Play Anywhere, marking a significant strategic shift from the original game’s platform approach. The first Aliens: Fireteam Elite, a three-player co-op shooter similar to Left 4 Dead, was released on Xbox PC and Play Anywhere with cross-play and cross-buy functionality between Xbox consoles and Windows PCs. Developer Daybreak Game Company has announced that the sequel will exclusively support Steam and Epic Games Store for PC, effectively removing it from Xbox’s ecosystem.
This represents a notable reversal for a franchise that previously found success on Xbox PC. The original game’s inclusion in Xbox Play Anywhere was a significant selling point, allowing players to purchase once and play across both platforms. The removal of this support from the sequel indicates shifting business priorities regarding platform economics and distribution strategy.
The decision raises broader questions about emerging industry trends in platform support. As publishers evaluate the economics of different digital storefronts, revenue sharing models, and audience reach, some are reconsidering their presence on Xbox PC relative to alternatives like Steam and Epic Games Store. Whether other major publishers will follow Daybreak’s lead in deprioritizing Xbox PC support remains unclear, but the decision underscores the competitive dynamics between different PC gaming platforms and distribution channels.