Microsoft has unveiled Microsoft Edge Game Assist, an innovative in-game browser overlay now available for beta testing on Windows 11. This “game-aware” tool is integrated into the Microsoft Game Bar and leverages the Edge browser to deliver tailored gaming resources, including links to tips and guides for the game you’re currently playing.
Key Features of Game Assist
The Game Assist overlay functions seamlessly with your existing Edge profile, granting access to cookies, autofill, and favorites. This eliminates the need to repeatedly log into websites, ensuring a smoother in-game experience. As with other Game Bar widgets, the overlay can be pinned to stay visible while you play, keeping essential information within easy reach.
Currently, Game Assist is available exclusively in English and requires users to opt into the beta version while setting Microsoft Edge Beta 132 as their default browser.
How Game Assist Works
While the feature primarily relies on manual searches for most games, its game-aware capabilities offer automatic content suggestions for select titles, including Baldur’s Gate 3, Diablo IV, and Hellblade II: Senua’s Saga. Microsoft plans to expand the library of supported games over time as it collects feedback during the preview phase.
Enhancing Gameplay With Video Guides
In addition to displaying text-based guides, the overlay supports video content. This allows users to follow along with video walkthroughs directly within the widget, a feature showcased in Microsoft’s demo videos.
Gathering Community Feedback
Microsoft is actively seeking user input to refine Game Assist. Feedback can be submitted through several channels:
- In-app feedback: Navigate to Settings and More (
…) > Send feedback in the Game Assist interface. - Community voting: Users can suggest and vote on desired features via the Game Assist Community Feedback portal.
- Social media monitoring: Feedback on platforms such as r/MicrosoftEdge, X (formerly Twitter), and other channels is also being reviewed.
Upcoming Enhancements
At present, Game Assist supports only mouse and keyboard input. However, Microsoft plans to introduce compatibility with handheld devices and gamepads in the future. A Compact Mode is also in development to provide an optimized user experience.
How to Get Started With Game Assist
Here’s how to enable and use Game Assist:
- Ensure your system is up to date: Verify that Windows 11 and the Game Bar are running their latest versions.
- Install Microsoft Edge Beta: If you’re part of the Windows Insider program or have Edge Preview installed, you can skip this step. Otherwise:
- Download the Microsoft Edge Insider Beta channel. For the latest updates, you may opt for the Dev channel, though it could be slightly less stable.
- Set Edge Beta as your default browser:
- Open Windows Settings > Apps > Default apps.
- Search for Edge, select Edge Beta at the top of the page, and click Set as default.
- Opt into Game Assist:
- Open Edge and go to Settings and More (
…) > Settings. - Use the search box to find “Game Assist,” locate the Install widget option (above Page Zoom), and select it to install the Game Bar widget.
- Open Edge and go to Settings and More (
- Initialize Edge Beta: If you’ve never used Edge Beta or Preview before:
- Close Microsoft Edge via Settings and More (
…) > Close Microsoft Edge. - Reopen the browser. This process might need to be repeated several times for the Game Assist option to appear.
- Close Microsoft Edge via Settings and More (
What’s Next for Game Assist
Microsoft is committed to expanding the feature set and functionality of Game Assist. Upcoming updates are expected to include more game integrations, support for additional input methods, and an enhanced compact interface. As the tool evolves, user feedback will play a pivotal role in shaping its future direction.
By blending the power of Edge with a tailored in-game experience, Game Assist aims to simplify access to gaming resources and create a more immersive and efficient experience for gamers. Whether you’re diving into the depths of a role-playing epic like Baldur’s Gate 3 or battling demons in Diablo IV, Microsoft Edge Game Assist offers a promising new way to enhance your gameplay.