Modders are trying to bring Game Pass and Xbox games to Mac and Linux

Modders have made significant progress in developing an unofficial project called Project Xodus, which aims to bring Xbox and Game Pass games to Mac and Linux gaming devices like the Steam Deck and Steam Machine. Currently, developers are working on overcoming the last technical hurdle, which involves supporting MSIXVC2 format for game distribution.

Currently, the project is able to log into Xbox accounts, access Microsoft's store, and download games on non-Windows operating systems, using Wine and Proton compatibility layers. However, Xodus is unlikely to support Universal Windows Platform (UWP) titles, such as Gears of War 4.

If successful, Project Xodus could extend its support beyond Game Pass to include other Xbox and Game Pass titles, such as Minecraft Bedrock Edition and backward-compatible Xbox titles. Microsoft, recognizing the importance of its Xbox PC storefront and Game Pass, recently began testing Xbox backward compatibility on PC. Four original Xbox games are now playable on PC, with more Xbox 360 titles expected to follow in the future.

Despite Microsoft's recent focus on Xbox Series consoles, the progress made on Project Xodus indicates that the company remains committed to supporting PC gaming. Microsoft has also recently announced plans to offer cheaper Game Pass subscription tiers in response to a loss of 4 million subscribers earlier this year. By potentially providing a native way to run Game Pass titles on Mac and Linux devices, Project Xodus could expand the appeal of Microsoft's Game Pass subscription service.