Microsoft is working on technology for emulation of legacy Xbox games on modern platforms, according to a job listing.
The aforementioned job listing is for the position of Principal Software Engineer, and it involves building the next evolution in Xbox compatibility and game preservation through emulation. According to the stated job overview, the selected candidate will help build scalable emulation solutions, and ensure a safe and fun gameplay experience for all players. The technology is said to be a critical part of enabling the Xbox goal of allowing players to experience their games on any device.
As a Principal Software Engineer at Xbox, the new recruit will coordinate across teams to define and implement the Xbox backward compatibility game security system to protect game assets while improving the experience for players. They will work with other experienced emulation engineers to deliver high quality solutions that not only protect game content but also improve the experience of installing compatible games. They will be a key contributor to the technology solutions developed to emulate legacy games on modern platforms. This will provide them the opportunity for a broad impact across the Xbox and Windows gaming ecosystem.
Further in the list of responsibilities, it is mentioned that the new recruit will design and build solutions that enable system level emulation across the catalog of Xbox content, suggesting that the technology aims to allow Xbox users to carry forward their library to Windows-based platforms, such as the Xbox-branded handheld developed by Asus in partnership with Microsoft or the rumored Windows-based Xbox consoles.
Last year, The Xbox Two co-host and Windows Central editor Jez Corden took to Twitter/X to confirm the validity of a prior Discord leak, according to which Microsoft will have third party manufacturers release their own versions of the next Xbox console, just like how there are already third party controllers available on the market. According to him, the next Xbox has a “heavy” Windows slant, and will be a reference device for manufacturers making devices. Emulation will likely play a key role in getting legacy Xbox titles to run on these Windows-based machines.
