Xbox indie program lead says Project Helix will be 'easier' for developers
and that Microsoft is 'working hard so developers can make one Xbox build in the future' that will run on everything

Date:
Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:19:57 +0000

Description:
Xbox portfolio and programs general manager Chris Charla has said Project Helix will be easier for developers to work with, but advises studios to prioritize developing their games for current gen and PC first.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Tech Radar Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from
us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. You are now subscribed Your newsletter sign-up was
successful An account already exists for this email address, please log in. Subscribe to our newsletter Xbox portfolio GM advises indie studios to create their games for current Xbox consoles and PC to be ready for Project Helix Chris Charla says "doing this ensures they'll have a native build on Project Helix" He added that Project Helix will be easier for developers to work with Xbox portfolio and programs general manager Chris Charla has said Project Helix will be easier for developers to work with, but advises studios to prioritize developing their games for current gen and PC first. Speaking in
an interview with IGN , when asked how challenging developing for Project Helix will be for teams that have never built a game for Xbox before, Charla confirmed it would be easier. "We're working hard so developers can make one Xbox build in the future and it'll run on their Project Helix console, on PC and on streaming and cloud surfaces like smart TVs and other devices," Charla said. Article continues below You may like Xbox CEO reveals next-gen console codename Project Helix Microsoft confirms its next Xbox, Project Helix, will go out to studios next year 'We plan to ship alpha versions of the hardware to developers beginning in 2027' The next Xbox is coming soon, here's what we know (and dont know) about Project Helix so far

He continued, saying that he expects to be able to offer the same support as Xbox does now for developers looking to create games for Project Helix. For example, assistance in implementing Xbox APIs, working with backend systems, business processes, sharing marketing data, and more.

Charla also advised developers, particularly indie studios, to make games for Xbox Series X and PC, explaining that this will ensure they have a native build for Project Helix when the next-gen hardware eventually launches.

"Someone looking to be ready for next-gen with Xbox should be developing for Xbox console today, developing for Xbox on PC, and supporting Xbox Play Anywhere," Charla said.

"That'll put you in pole position for the next generation and ensure your
Xbox on PC game runs natively on Project Helix. The exact specifics may
differ per developer and game. In a lot of cases if you're coming from a
Steam or stock PC build it may be smarter to start with the Xbox for PC version first and then use that as the basis for the Xbox console version.
Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our
trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

"Of course we'll have more details about how developers can take advantage of the specific hardware features of Project Helix in the months ahead, but
doing this ensures they'll have a native build on Project Helix."

Project Helix was revealed earlier this month, and alpha versions of the hardware are expected to be in the hands of developers beginning in 2027 .

Microsoft has also shared some of the console's specifications , which will offer next-generation performance, including a custom AMD -based SOC, co-designed for the next generation of DirectX and FSR, and improved ray tracing performance. The best Xbox controllers Our top picks for the best
Xbox gamepads

Read our full guide to the best Xbox controllers 1. Best overall: Xbox Wireless Controller 2. Best budget: 8BitDo Pro 2 3. Best premium: Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 4. Best wired: GameSir Kaleid Follow TechRadar on Google
News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too.



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/gaming/xbox-indie-program-lead-says-project-helix-wi ll-be-easier-for-developers-and-that-microsoft-is-working-hard-so-developers-c an-make-one-xbox-build-in-the-future-that-will-run-on-everything


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)