Rise of the Tomb Raider on Windows Store: Why to Avoid

Microsoft's Challenge to Steam: A Platform Disparity

Currently, Microsoft is directly challenging the dominance of Steam in the PC gaming market.

A title like Rise of the Tomb Raider, priced at $60, is available for purchase through both the Windows Store and Steam.

However, the version of the game offered via the Windows Store suffers from deficiencies, largely attributable to the limitations of Microsoft’s newer application platform.

This platform, in its present state, isn’t fully equipped to handle the demands of graphically intensive games.

Universal Apps: A Mixed Bag

Acquiring less demanding titles, such as Candy Crush Saga or other straightforward mobile games, from the Windows Store presents no issues.

The Universal App Platform functions optimally for applications of this nature.

Nevertheless, Rise of the Tomb Raider serves as a clear illustration of the constraints inherent in universal apps.

Limitations of the Universal App Platform

• The platform currently exhibits limitations when supporting complex game engines.
• Performance can be negatively impacted compared to native applications.
• Features available on Steam may be absent or function differently within the Windows Store version.

These factors contribute to a less-than-ideal gaming experience for users choosing the Windows Store.

Further development and optimization are needed before Microsoft’s app platform can effectively compete with Steam in the realm of high-performance gaming.

Universal Windows Platform Apps Compared to Desktop Applications

PC gaming platforms like Steam typically deliver games as conventional Windows desktop applications. Purchasing a game initiates a download of the installer, usually a .exe or .msi file, which then proceeds with the installation process.

Conversely, all applications available through the Windows Store are built utilizing Microsoft’s Universal Windows Platform (UWP).

This distinction accounts for the significant differences observed. The disparity isn’t solely attributable to the constraints of the Store itself.

Fundamentally, a choice is being made between a game’s UWP version and its traditional Windows desktop counterpart.

Since its initial introduction with Windows 8, Microsoft’s application platform has undergone substantial enhancements.

However, it currently doesn't possess the same level of capability as the established Windows desktop platform. While future parity is a possibility, it hasn’t been achieved as of yet.

Understanding the Constraints of Windows Store Applications

Initially termed "Store apps" during the Windows 8.1 era, applications distributed through the Microsoft Store possess inherent limitations. While these restrictions typically pose no issue for simpler applications or casual gaming experiences, they become significantly apparent when considering more demanding PC games.

A recent discussion on Reddit highlighted several functionalities absent from the Windows Store version of Rise of the Tomb Raider. These limitations impact the user experience and available options for customization.

Graphics Hardware and Display Settings

Significant restrictions exist regarding the utilization of graphics processing capabilities. Certain graphical settings also remain unchangeable by the user.

• SLI and CrossFire Incompatibility: Gamers employing multiple NVIDIA or AMD graphics cards configured in SLI or CrossFire will find the Windows Store version unsuitable. Support for these technologies is absent, unlike the Steam release.
• Mandatory VSync Activation: VSync, intended to mitigate screen tearing, can introduce drawbacks such as increased input lag or reduced game performance. The Steam version allows users to toggle VSync, whereas the Windows Store version enforces its constant activation.
• Exclusive Borderless Fullscreen Mode: The Store application consistently operates in "borderless fullscreen" mode, also known as "fullscreen (windowed)." This ensures seamless Alt+Tab functionality and prevents the game from monopolizing the entire display.

However, this mode prevents the game from achieving exclusive access to the graphics card, potentially hindering optimal performance. The Steam version provides the option of utilizing exclusive fullscreen mode.

System Access and Modification Restrictions

Windows Store applications are subject to stricter security protocols, limiting interference from other system processes and preventing file modifications. This heightened security results in further limitations:

• Modding is Prohibited: The protected nature of Windows Store apps precludes the possibility of modding, a cornerstone of PC gaming culture. Applications like SweetFX, used for graphical modifications, are unable to interact with the game’s running process.
• Absence of Executable File and Steam Controller Support: Direct launching of the game as an .exe file is not possible. Consequently, integration with Steam and utilization of a Steam controller are unavailable.
• Overlay Incompatibility: The use of overlays or other supplementary software is restricted. This includes Steam overlays and similar tools.
• Mouse Macro Functionality is Disabled: Mouse utilities enabling the creation of custom macros for specific games are non-functional with the Windows Store version.

Windows Store Specific Issues

The Microsoft Store platform itself presents certain drawbacks.

• Unclear Refund Procedures: Steam offers a generous, no-questions-asked refund policy within the first two hours of gameplay. Further refund requests are also considered. The Windows Store lacks a similarly transparent refund policy, requiring interaction with a customer service representative.
• Windows 10 Exclusivity: The Windows Store version is exclusively compatible with Windows 10. Purchasing the game on Steam allows for potential compatibility with Windows 7 or 8.

Furthermore, should the game be ported to macOS or SteamOS/Linux, a Steam purchase grants access to those versions at no additional cost. This represents greater value for the consumer.

While some of these limitations may seem inconsequential, unforeseen feature requirements can arise. Given that both versions of the game are priced identically, opting for the unrestricted Steam version represents a logical choice.

The Need for Steam Alternatives, But Not the Windows Store

Recent developments highlight the importance of competition within the PC gaming market. However, Microsoft’s Windows Store is demonstrably ill-equipped to provide a viable alternative to Steam.

Technical Limitations of the Windows Store

Concerns regarding the Windows Store’s functionality are not merely theoretical. A Nixxes Software representative, involved in the development of game versions for both Steam and the Windows Store, directly addressed a specific issue within a Steam forum discussion.

The representative confirmed that disabling VSync is currently unsupported within the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) framework. This limitation impacts the user experience and demonstrates a fundamental constraint of the platform.

Communication Barriers with Users

Furthermore, the Windows Store presents challenges for developer-user interaction. Effective communication channels, readily available on Steam, are not easily replicated within the Windows Store environment.

This hinders developers’ ability to gather feedback and address user concerns efficiently.

Prioritizing Effective Competition

While increased competition in PC gaming is desirable, the Windows Store, in its current state, does not offer a suitable solution. Steam currently dominates a significant portion of the PC gaming landscape, and a robust competitor is needed.

Instead of relying on the Windows Store, support should be directed towards alternative platforms like GOG or EA’s Origin, which are better positioned to foster genuine competition.

Why Alternative Stores are Better

• GOG offers DRM-free games and a focus on classic titles.
• Origin provides a dedicated platform for Electronic Arts’ games.

Investing in these alternatives will ultimately benefit PC gamers by promoting innovation and choice. A truly competitive market requires platforms that prioritize both technical functionality and user engagement.

Microsoft's Response to Recent Feedback

Following publication of our initial article, Microsoft has issued a response and committed to future improvements. Phil Spencer, who leads the Xbox division at Microsoft, stated the company intends to perform better in addressing user concerns.

Specifically, Mike Ybarra from Microsoft has pledged to resolve the VSync issue. He also clarified that SLI and Crossfire configurations are functional within games that offer support for them.

However, a discrepancy exists regarding support for these technologies. The Steam release of Rise of the Tomb Raider enables SLI and Crossfire, while the Windows Store version currently does not.

Platform Comparison and Future Implications

Rise of the Tomb Raider provides a valuable opportunity for a direct comparison between different PC gaming platforms. Microsoft has announced that Quantum Break will be exclusively available through the Windows Store.

This shift towards the Windows Store may be unfavorable for PC gamers who desire the features previously mentioned. It represents a potential limitation on their gaming experience.

Given the difficulties encountered with Microsoft’s earlier Games for Windows Live (GFWL) platform, the introduction of another potentially problematic PC gaming platform is a cause for concern.

• It is crucial that Microsoft learns from past mistakes.
• A stable and feature-rich platform is essential for a positive PC gaming experience.

The company should prioritize delivering a seamless experience for its PC gaming audience.