Xbox
Xbox prepares something huge: this is what the “new era” of backward compatibility will look like
Microsoft wants engineers who can shape the future of compatibility with its games and platforms.
Microsoft seems to be establishing the foundation for the “next evolution” of backward compatibility on Xbox. This idea gained momentum after a job posting appeared seeking a principal software engineer to join the company’s team. This move aligns with Microsoft’s recent statements about its long-term vision for video game preservation.
In April 2024, the company announced the formation of a team dedicated to ensuring the longevity of existing game libraries. A job posting spotted in early May 2025 by Pure Xbox confirms that this dedicated preservation division is recruiting. Among the key responsibilities of the principal software engineer position is the identification of technical requirements and “security boundaries for protecting game content.” Additionally, the job description states that the person hired will be responsible for building secure and scalable emulation solutions and seeks an ideal candidate who will contribute to “the next evolution in Xbox game compatibility.”
A step that goes hand in hand with the new Xbox philosophy
Examining Microsoft’s short-term plans for its ecosystem reveals an ongoing commitment to redefining the meaning of “being Xbox.” This strategy became more visible in 2024 with the “This is an Xbox” campaign, which highlighted the platform’s agnostic nature, meaning the Xbox experience isn’t limited to a single console.
Recent reports suggest that the successor to the Xbox Series X|S could essentially be a PC with a TV-friendly design. Such a device would greatly simplify software production, potentially allowing developers to use a unified development kit to create games for both PC and Xbox. If this is the direction Microsoft is heading in, any “evolution in Xbox game compatibility” is likely to fundamentally include the PC.
Follow MeriStation USA on X (formerly known as Twitter). Your video game and entertainment website for all the news, updates, and breaking news from the world of video games, movies, series, manga, and anime. Previews, reviews, interviews, trailers, gameplay, podcasts and more! Follow us now!