Starting in November, Microsoft will revolutionize its Xbox Cloud Gaming service by allowing users to stream their own Xbox games, even those not included in the Xbox Game Pass library.
This new feature marks a significant expansion of Xbox Cloud Gaming capabilities and reflects Microsoft’s continuous commitment to enhancing its gaming ecosystem. Here’s what you need to know about this exciting development.
A Long-Awaited Feature
Microsoft is finally delivering on the long-awaited ability for fans to stream their entire Xbox game library. This feature has been part of an internal project known as Project Lapland.
Starting next month, Microsoft plans to allow Xbox users to stream games they own, even if those titles are not part of the existing Xbox Game Pass collection.
The company will initially test this capability with members of the Xbox Insider Program in November. Before a broader rollout to more Xbox users and games, the company expects this insider testing phase to fine-tune the streaming experience.
Project xCloud initially promised this functionality in 2020, and while there were delays, the gaming giant now appears ready to bring this vision to life.
Expanding Xbox Cloud Gaming
Currently, Xbox Cloud Gaming supports streaming for games available through the Xbox Game Pass subscription. However, this upcoming expansion will dramatically increase the number of available titles by including games from players’ own collections.
According to sources, thousands of games will soon be accessible via Xbox Cloud Gaming servers, far surpassing the hundreds of titles currently available through Game Pass.
The technical complexities involved in preparing the infrastructure to support a vast number of games have delayed the launch of this feature.
Unlike the Game Pass library, which contains a curated collection of titles, enabling users to stream games from their personal libraries required an overhaul of Microsoft’s servers.
While most games will soon be available to stream, some publishers may withhold certain titles due to licensing agreements or other restrictions. This implies that individual publisher agreements may prevent some games from streaming, even though the majority will.
Game Purchases Coming to Xbox Mobile App
In addition to game streaming, November will also see the introduction of game purchasing capabilities in the Xbox mobile app for Android.
Players in the US will soon be able to buy Xbox games directly from the app and immediately stream them to their devices. A recent court ruling, effective November 1st, prevents Google from requiring Play Store apps to use Google Play Billing, making this feature possible.
Sarah Bond, Xbox president, confirmed that this feature will allow players to both purchase and play Xbox games directly from the mobile app starting next month.
This is a big step forward in Microsoft’s vision of making Xbox games more accessible on mobile platforms, offering players more flexibility in how they buy and play their games.
Microsoft’s Plans for a Browser-Based Store
Microsoft is currently developing a browser-based Xbox mobile store, initially slated for launch in July. We expect this store to provide deals, in-game items, and eventually, first-party games. Microsoft has indicated that they are progressing with this feature and will soon share more updates.
The launch of a web-based store would further expand Microsoft’s mobile gaming ecosystem, giving players more ways to interact with Xbox games outside traditional consoles.
This is a part of the company’s broader strategy to offer players greater flexibility and more choices in how they access and play their favorite games.
What This Means for Xbox Users
The expansion of Xbox Cloud Gaming is a major milestone for Microsoft and its gaming community. Allowing players to stream their own games gives them access to a much larger game library than what is available on Game Pass.
It also means that gamers can enjoy their favorite titles on more devices without the need for high-end hardware.
For mobile gamers, the ability to purchase and stream Xbox games directly through the app will make it easier than ever to jump into a game, even on the go.
The upcoming web-based mobile store will further enhance the shopping and gaming experience, providing more options for discovering and purchasing games.editorial
With Project Lapland moving forward, November is shaping up to be a big month for Xbox users. Between the expansion of Xbox Cloud Gaming, the launch of game purchasing on the mobile app, and the continued development of the web-based mobile store, Microsoft is demonstrating its dedication to making gaming more accessible and convenient.
Xbox Insiders will initially experience these new features, but it’s evident that Xbox Cloud Gaming will expand in innovative ways. This development brings Microsoft closer to its goal of creating a truly versatile gaming platform where players can access their favorite games anytime, anywhere.
The Information is Collected from The Verge and The Gamer.
