Microsoft is pushing and promoting its “Universal Windows Platform” (UWP) really hard, though it’s doing it kind of in the background. It’s slowly starting to release its biggest games to Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs simultaneously, and behind closed doors it’s pumping up the press about UWP and how it will revolutionize how cross-platform software is developed. Generally, I’ve seen all of this as a positive trend, and UWP sounds like a really good idea. Then again, I’m not a developer. Not everyone is excited about what Microsoft is up to, and Epic Games co-founder Tim Sweeney recently wrote a piece for The Guardian basically accusing Microsoft of attempting to monopolize the games market through UWP, Windows 10, and the Windows Store.
Sweeney is concerned that Microsoft seems to be implementing features within Windows that are only accessible through the UWP, while seemingly degrading the more open Win32 platform. This could theoretically lead to a future where developers are practically forced to develop for a platform that is handled exclusively by Microsoft, which will then distribute games and software through its Windows Store. Sweeney wants to make sure that things stay open. “In my view, if Microsoft does not commit to opening PC UWP up in the manner described here, then PC UWP can, should, must and will, dis as a result of industry backlash.” Very strong words. You can read the entire piece here .