Xbox App for PC Update Tells Users How Long a Game Takes to Beat

A new update for the PC Xbox App provides a host of features, such as details on how long it takes to beat games due to a partnership with HowLongToBeat. The Xbox update also includes other quality of life features, like the ability to view trailers, screenshots, and more, as well as significant performance improvements.

Xbox has partnered with HowLongToBeat, a community-driven platform. There are four categories now presented in the app on how long it takes to complete a game, consisting of the “main story,” “main + extras,” “completionist,” and “all styles.” This feature is located on the Xbox app’s details page for games available. As stated in the Xbox September update, this will allow users to have more information on how long they spend on a game, which will encourage users to make more informed decisions on what they want to play and when. Earlier in the year, it was reported that the Xbox app notifies players if their PC can run a game, so Xbox seems dedicated to continuously improving the app for its users, which could lead to more educated decisions regarding the games users invest their time in.

Since HowLongToBeat is community-driven, players will be the ones updating these duration sections with their own times by hitting “view details.” "View details" also have other options like managing a library of games, community reviews, and the ability to help other gamers. Details on the Game Pass library will also be provided in categories, like “new,” “best rated,” and “achievement hunting.”

The Xbox app has improved with better performance, as the app is now reported to launch 15% faster than before. The September update notes that it has seen 99.9% improved crash-free sessions and better responsiveness to engaging with the app. Search results have also been noted to improve with 20% faster results than before.

The community feedback has been mostly positive, although some players note that they would prefer not to see playtime because it could impact their decision to not play a game that they otherwise would have enjoyed by either the game being too short or too long. Even so, the improved performance of the app is enough of a reason to celebrate, especially with the Xbox app now allowing mods. This update could also encourage players to try new games, in case they wanted a new long-term experience or multiple shorter games in a rapid fashion.