Grounded update removes Microsoft account requirement on Steam

Grounded is one of the more interesting titles published by Xbox Game Studios. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, this ‘Honey I Shrunk the Kids’ styled survival game has managed to find a massive audience, with over 15 million players in total. In a surprising and highly-welcome move, the game has gotten an update on Steam to remove its Microsoft account requirement.

Patch 1.4.5 for Grounded is live right now, and brings with it one major notable change: “Steam players no longer require a Microsoft Account to play multiplayer.”

This move is highly welcome, especially in the wake of Sony’s own PlayStation account requirements for its PC releases. That said, it is worth noting that you’ll still need to link your Microsoft account if you want to engage with Grounded’s cross-play, Shared Worlds and Playgrounds features.

For those who have already linked accounts, you can now reverse this through Steam’s game option menu.

As mentioned, during a time when Sony is being criticised for its PlayStation account requirements, it is encouraging to see Microsoft seemingly going in the opposite direction – even if such account linking for Grounded could theoretically be justified due to its multiplayer component.

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KitGuru says: Are you glad to see this update? Will you be hopping into Grounded? Will Sony be pressured into changing their minds? Let us know down below.

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