Microsoft’s new in-game Edge browser offers gaming tips, guides and more
Microsoft on Friday announced Edge Game Assist, an in-game browser focused on game-centric features, for PC players. The browser, a modified version of the Edge browser, is currently in preview and aims to seamlessly provide game hints, guides and more. In addition to game-centric browsing, Game Assist will pack users’ Edge browsing data from their PC and mobile devices. The in-game browser is now available for PC players on Windows 11 with Microsoft Edge Beta 132.
Edge Game Assist launched
Edge Game Assist can be accessed in-game via the Game Bar overlay on Windows, allowing users to browse the web without leaving their game. According to Microsoft, 88 percent of PC players use a web browser while gaming to get game help, track progress, connect with friends, or view media.
“These actions require you to pull your phone or Alt-Tab to your PC desktop, which will take you out of your game. Unless you have multiple monitors, you also won’t be able to see what’s happening in the game while in the browser, or consult a manual while you play,” the Xbox parent said in a blog post announcing the Game Assist browser.
Game Assist appears in the Game Bar on top of the game the user is playing. “It’s game-aware and provides tips and guides for what you’re playing,” Microsoft said. Additionally, Game Assist remembers Edge users’ browsing data on PC and mobile, including favorites, history, cookies, form submissions, and more. The in-game browser also provides quick access to social services such as Discord Twitch, Spotify or any other web page or site in the sidebar.
Game Assist features
The browser essentially acts as a Game Bar widget and can be docked above a game, allowing users to watch a gameplay guide video while playing their game. The Game Bar overlay can be displayed by pressing Win+G, which adds in-game widgets like Xbox Social to connect with friends and track achievements, take screenshots and gameplay clips, adjust audio settings adjust, monitor game performance, and access services like Spotify, Teams, and more.
Game Assist can be resized and moved to fit a desired part of the screen. It also comes with a few game-aware features. The in-game browser will display a unique set of gaming tabs and sidebar apps, Microsoft said. When users open a new tab, useful resources such as tips and hints for their game are highlighted.
The preview feature is currently localized in English and supports a selection of popular PC games. Microsoft said it will continue to optimize Game Assist based on player feedback. It currently supports games such as Baldur’s Gate 3, Diablo IV, Fortnite, Hellblade II: Senua’s Saga, League of Legends, Minecraft, Overwatch 2, Roblox and Valorant. Microsoft said it will add tips and guides for more games over time. Players can still browse web-based guides for each game they play.
Game Assist has been released in public preview with opt-in. To try the browser, users should make sure Windows and the Game Bar are up to date. The feature also requires the Microsoft Edge beta or preview channel. Users should also set Edge Beta as their default browser. Then go to Edge in Edge Settings and more (“…”) > Institutionsand search for Game Assist in the search box and select Install Widget.
