As the launch of the Xbox Series X console nears, gamers are going to see more and more of the term "Optimized for Series X." This is a badge Microsoft will be granting certain Xbox games that have been improved in meaningful ways for the next-gen console. In a new post on the Xbox Wire newsfeed, Microsoft explains just what the Optimized for Series X badge means and why when Xbox fans see it, it means more than just basic improvements.
The basic pitch from Microsoft is that Optimized for Series X means that the title takes "advantage of the full power of the Xbox Series X." Many games will inherently be improved just by running on the improved power of the console. Relatively few will get a full look by the game's developer to ensure it's making the most of the Xbox Series X. Microsoft even goes further, saying that games Optimized for Series X are either "natively designed" for the console, or have been "fully rebuilt" to take advantage of the hardware.
As for what Optimized for Series X means in specific, that's up to each game developer. Microsoft does list some technical steps forward that games will be making under the Optimized for Series X effort. Minimizing or removing load times, improved visuals, ray tracing, and improved framerates up to 120 fps are some of the biggest possible changes that can be made.
It should be noted that the Optimized for Series X branding isn't just for Xbox One games being brought to the new console, however. It's also for games built natively for the Xbox Series X. Microsoft lists Halo Infinite as an example of a game natively-built game, as well as Gears 5 as a previously-released game enhanced for the new system.
To round out its feature, Microsoft lists all of the currently confirmed Optimized for Series X titles. There are 22 games currently on the list. Many were shown during the May Inside Xbox event, which focused on third-party releases being enhanced for the next-gen console. Funnily enough, only two first-party games are on the list. Those being Halo Infinite and Gears 5. The rest include a lot of games planned to launch in 2020 that many gamers are looking forward to.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Bright Memory Infinite
Call of the Sea
Chivalry 2
Chorus
Cyberpunk 2077
Destiny 2
DiRT 5
FIFA 21
Gears 5
Halo Infinite
Hitman 3
Madden NFL 21
Marvel’s Avengers
Outriders
Scarlet Nexus
Scorn
Second Extinction
The Ascent
The Medium
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Specific Xbox Series X improvements for each game will be described closer to the Xbox Series X launch, obviously. Further, many more new games are likely to be announced in the months to come. The leadup to the launch of the Xbox Series X console this holiday season is going to be a very fun time.