Microsoft could tempt PC gamers to ditch Chrome with a handy new ‘Game Assist’ mode for its Edge browser
- The Game Assist mode is part of the Game Bar and is now being tested
- A compact Edge panel will appear during your gaming session
- You can view tips and guides online without Alt-Tabbing from the game
Microsoft is adding a new feature to the Edge browser that could give it a clear lead over Chrome (and other rivals), at least for PC gamers.
This is the Game Assist mode, which is now in preview (testing). Microsoft Edge beta version 132and it is part of the functionality integrated into the Game Bar on Windows 11.
The basic idea is to give you access to things like game guides or tips while you play a game. So instead of having to constantly Alt-Tab in and out of the game to view the guide in the browser – or open the guide on your phone and stare at a small screen – you can use it there during your gaming session. .
Game Assist is essentially a mini version of Edge that runs in the Game Bar overlay, so you can look at those hints and tips (or whatever you want) and still see the game world, and when you’re about to be attacked by a monster or something that could be as disastrous as you Alt-Tabbed.
This gaming-focused Edge panel shares the same data as the main Edge browser on your PC, giving you access to your favorites, cookies, and so on. It’s also been shortened and streamlined so it doesn’t drain resources, Microsoft notes — which obviously wouldn’t be useful for gaming.
Additionally, Game Assist is aware of what you are playing and can provide tips or walkthroughs appropriate for that game.
Analysis: Game on!
All in all, this sounds like a great idea – provided what Microsoft says about the Game Assist feature not using too many resources is true. Of course, since it’s currently in beta, Game Assist may be shaky in all sorts of ways if you try out the feature.
To start with, the test version only supports the English language and a ‘selection’ of popular games. The initially supported PC games include Baldur’s Gate 3, Diablo IV, Fortnite and League of Legends, but no doubt more will be added as we progress – assuming Game Assist makes it through testing.
We don’t see why this wouldn’t happen, as this is a pretty neat idea for gamers who don’t have a multi-monitor setup that allows them to view guides or tips on a separate large screen (and not on a clunky little smartphone). screen). It also avoids awkward Alt-Tabbing, as mentioned.
If it works well, this is a feature we could convince some PC gamers to give the browser a try and perhaps drive more adoption of Microsoft Edge (which, in fact, is already rated as our top pick of the best web browsers) .
