Microsoft on Friday announced Edge Game Assist, an in-game browser focused on gaming-centric features for PC gamers. The browser is a customized version of the Edge browser and is currently available in preview, designed to seamlessly provide gaming tips, guides, and more. In addition to game-centric browsing, Game Assist will also package Edge browser data on users’ PCs and mobile devices. The in-game browser is now available for players on Windows 11 PCs using Microsoft Edge Beta 132.
Edge Gaming 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 the game. According to Microsoft, 88% of PC gamers use a web browser while playing games to get help with the game, track progress, connect with friends, or view media.
“These actions require you to exit the game by taking out your phone or pressing Alt-Tab to your computer desktop. Unless you have multiple monitors, you also won’t be able to see what’s going on in the game while you’re in the browser or refer to the guide while playing,” Xbox Parents said in a blog post announcing the Game Assist Browser.
Game Assistant will appear in the game bar on top of the game the user is playing. Microsoft said: “It is game-aware and will provide tips and guidance for the game you are playing.” In addition, Game Assist will remember the data users browse from Edge on PC and mobile devices, including favorites, history, cookies, form fills, and more. The in-game browser will also provide quick access to social services such as Discord, Twitch, Spotify, or any other web page or website in the sidebar.
Game accessibility
The browser will essentially act as a Game Bar widget and can be pinned above games to help users watch game guide videos while playing. Pressing Win+G brings up the Game Bar overlay, introducing in-game widgets like Xbox Social for connecting with friends and tracking achievements, capturing screenshots and game clips, adjusting audio settings, monitoring game performance, and accessing services like Spotify, Teams, and more.
Game assist can be resized and moved to fit the desired area of the screen. It also has some game-aware features. Microsoft says the in-game browser will display a unique set of game tabs and sidebar apps. When a user opens a new tab, it will highlight useful resources such as tips and hints for games.
The preview feature is currently localized into 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 Legend, League of Legends, Minecraft, Overwatch 2, Roblox and Valorant. Microsoft says it will add tips and guides for more games over time. Players can still browse web-based guides for any game they’re playing.
Game Assist has been released as an opt-in public preview. To try out the browser, users must ensure that Windows and Game Bar are up to date. This feature also requires Microsoft Edge’s Beta or Preview channel. Users must also set Edge Beta as their default browser. Then, in Edge go to Settings and more (“…”)> set upthen search for “Game Assistant” in the search box and select “Install Widget”.