Microsoft job posting signals efforts to emulate games on a new Xbox console and unify platforms

Microsoft wants to ensure that its large library of Xbox games remains playable in the future. Rumors indicate that the company is planning a new Xbox console that runs on the Windows OS. Microsoft may face obstacles as it seeks to port classics to its evolving hardware and possibly other platforms. A job listing has appeared for a Principal Software Engineer to bolster its game preservation team.

The position involves building "scalable emulation solutions" and "emulating legacy games on modern platforms". The engineer would also strive to keep game assets secure and safe from piracy, theft, and tampering. Unfortunately, the job ad doesn't mention what existing or upcoming consoles or platforms emulated games may appear on.

Microsoft has already begun publishing former exclusives on the PS5, with hints that it may do the same on the Switch 2. Yet, even with Series X sales declining, the company hasn't abandoned plans for a new Xbox console. Project Kennan is a rumored Asus-manufactured machine that may feature Xbox controls. The Xbox handheld would likely be Windows-based and introduce a full-screen Xbox UI.

Modern Windows PCs have access to many of the Xbox games available on the Series X, Series S, and now PS5. Still, some titles remain locked to Microsoft's current and older consoles. According to Windows Central's Jez Corden, Xbox systems will adapt to use the Win32 API. The Series X already supports a similar development environment, but some Xbox ERA-coded games remain.

The Principal Software Engineer may focus his/her efforts on older Xbox games that need more attention to emulate. Phil Spencer also suggested that AI may aid with backward compatibility. Regardless, game preservation will become critical to Microsoft's Play Anywhere campaign.