Microsoft releases tool for converting old software to modern Windows 10 apps

[Deleted User]

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Solar_Prophet

And there it is. Microsoft's continued campaign to control the PC gaming market. 

"Oh, your older app has problems with Windows 10? Here, just use our tool to convert it! You'll only be able to sell the updated version in our Windows Store though!"

It's bad enough new games are having a, 'Windows 10 Only!', label slapped onto them (Gears of War, Quantum Break, Gigantic, looking at YOU), but now they're trying to do it with older software while pretending to be magnanimous about it.

Round 1 with GFWL didn't work out, so let's try round 2, eh?

Ridelynn

That's funny because most of my .NET and Win32 applications still work just fine on Win10 - just not in the crappy full screen Windows App mode, which I avoid like the plague anyway.

This isn't so much because Devs need to update their apps, this is "just in case" a publisher wants to make their title available on Windows Store.

[Deleted User]

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Ridelynn

Well, the only issue with a UWP is that you lose that multiple channels option to some extent.

You are either supporting different versions of your program (one for the Windows Store, one or more for "everything else") - and there is a definite cost to develop and support multiple product paths, or you are restricted to the Windows Store platform should you go UWP.

As a mobile app developer, sure, you are already on the Microsoft Store if you are supporting Windows Mobile. And you are already restricted to various storefronts based on your platform choice, so why the hell not throw one more into the mix if it doesn't take too much effort.

But as a game developer - I can't see this one working out for a while. RIght now, if you had to chose between releasing on Steam + Retail, or  UWP/Windows Store, that's a no-brainer option right there (unless you get handed a huge amount of money by Microsoft to be an exclusive, or are an Xbox exclusive developer).

Even the choice to fork, and support various versions of your program - until all the bugs are worked out with UWP, "all other" options will run better, with less quirks, and probably sell more units to boot.

laserit

There is a bad word. It's a word I try my best to keep a million miles away from even in my line of business. It's a word that can and will most likely cost you way too much in the long run.

That word is "Proprietary"

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Cleffy

It doesn't require it be sold on the Windows Store. I think its something even more deplorable. Increase developer support on ARM based Windows OS. The big problem with Windows RT is that it doesn't have software. The problem with Windows Phone is also a software issue.

This tool also lines Microsoft up to sweep through the business sector as they did during the '90s. Lets say you have 100 sales agents at your company who use a sales transaction software when in the field. Now if you were equipping these sales agents. You could give them an android phone, find compatible transaction software, and give them a desktop computer when they need to write things up with word. Or you could give them a WIndows Phone that comes with a free copy of Office. Then double it as a desktop PC. While having a large selection of sales transaction software.
It's going to be a big selling point which is why I think HP is jumping on now.

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Phry

Since i will never buy anything from the windows store, or ever touch UWP with a barge pole, the tool is largely irrelevant.
Its Microsofts attempt to take control of the PC platform, but i am not buying into it, its just not worth it in the long run as it would be too detrimental to the PC platform as a whole.

Kilrain

Solar_Prophet said:

 You'll only be able to sell the updated version in our Windows Store though!"

Except this part isn't true at all. If a game is "Windows 10 only" it's because the devs or publisher wanted it that way.