Get ready for a game-changing update in the world of Xbox cloud gaming! Starting next month, Xbox users will have the ability to stream select games from their own purchased libraries, directly to their devices. This significant move, reported by The Verge’s Tom Warren, signals a bold push by Microsoft to dominate the cloud gaming market.
Microsoft’s ambitions for cloud gaming are vast. The company aims to reach a staggering 110 million Xbox Game Pass subscribers by 2030, with a projected 32 million users engaging in cloud-based gameplay. This ambitious goal demonstrates their commitment to transforming the gaming landscape, particularly in the mobile space.
The recent landmark antitrust victory against Google in the Epic v Google trial has further fueled Microsoft’s plans. Google has been ordered to allow third-party app stores and alternative billing systems on its Google Play Store, a significant blow to Google’s $12.4 billion mobile economy. This opens the door for Microsoft to introduce its own digital storefront directly into the Xbox app, paving the way for unprecedented control over game streaming.
Sources indicate that this game-library streaming functionality will be gradually rolled out starting next month, allowing users to stream games they own through xCloud, regardless of whether those titles are part of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate streaming service. While initial access might be limited to first-party games due to licensing complexities, Microsoft is reportedly preparing its servers to stream thousands of Xbox games. This move signals a massive expansion of their cloud gaming infrastructure, reaching far beyond the current Game Pass library.
Historically, Microsoft has enjoyed a close relationship with NVIDIA’s GeForce Now platform, allowing its games to be streamed through that service. The upcoming library streaming feature represents a significant shift, offering a more integrated and potentially more expansive experience for Xbox users. This change could fundamentally alter the way people interact with their games, making them accessible on a wider array of devices and platforms. Stay tuned for more details as this exciting new era of cloud gaming unfolds.
