Microsoft is preparing to allow Xbox users to stream their personal game libraries through Xbox Cloud Gaming starting next month. The move could greatly increase the number of titles accessible via cloud streaming, offering players more flexibility in how they enjoy their games. By enabling users to play games they already own, Microsoft is enhancing the value proposition of its cloud gaming service, making gaming more accessible across different devices.
Testing Begins with Xbox Insiders
Beginning in November, Microsoft plans to test this new feature with members of the Xbox Insider program, a group of users who get early access to new Xbox features for testing and feedback. The initiative, known internally as Project Lapland, aims to enable thousands of games for cloud streaming, extending beyond the current selection available through Xbox Game Pass.
By leveraging Project Lapland, Microsoft is readying its servers to handle the increased demand and technical requirements of streaming a vast array of games. The testing phase with Insiders will help Microsoft fine-tune the service before a wider rollout. Xbox president Sarah Bond confirmed the upcoming feature on X.
The court’s ruling to open up Google´s mobile store in the US will allow more choice and flexibility. Our mission is to allow more players to play on more devices so we are thrilled to share that starting in November, players will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly…
— BondSarahBond (@BondSarah_Bond) October 10, 2024
Overcoming Technical Challenges
The journey to streaming owned games via the cloud has been a complex one for Microsoft. Initial plans to launch this capability with Project xCloud in 2020 were postponed due to unforeseen challenges. In 2022, Microsoft announced intentions to support personal game libraries on Xbox Cloud Gaming, but the feature was delayed once again.
The primary hurdles have stemmed from the monumental task of preparing the necessary infrastructure to support thousands of games, each with its own technical requirements and licensing considerations. Unlike the curated selection of games available on Xbox Game Pass, which currently includes hundreds of titles, supporting an entire game library requires significant backend work.
Each game must be configured to run smoothly on cloud servers, ensuring compatibility and performance standards are met. Furthermore, licensing agreements and publisher restrictions add another layer of complexity. Some publishers may choose to withhold their titles from cloud streaming due to existing contracts or concerns over digital distribution rights, which could limit the availability of certain games despite Microsoft’s technical readiness.
Xbox App Enables Game Purchases and Streaming
In conjunction with the expansion of Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft is set to update its Xbox App on Android devices in the United States. Starting in November, players will be able to purchase Xbox games directly from the app and stream them immediately to their devices.
The development is made possible by a recent court ruling that compels Google to allow alternative billing systems on the Play Store, effective November 1. By bypassing Google’s billing requirements, Microsoft can offer in-app purchases without incurring the standard fees associated with the Play Store’s payment system.
Bond highlighted that this update would enhance the user experience by providing a seamless process for buying and playing games on mobile devices. The ability to purchase and stream games directly from the app represents a major advancement in integrating Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem across platforms.
Microsoft’s Expanding Cloud Gaming Footprint
Beyond these updates, Microsoft is also working on a browser-based Xbox mobile store. Although initially planned for a July release, testing began in August, and progress is ongoing. The store will initially feature deals and in-game items, serving as a hub for gamers to discover and acquire content without the limitations imposed by traditional app stores.
Over time, Microsoft intends to expand the store’s offerings to include first-party games, further integrating its services. The browser-based approach allows Microsoft to sidestep app store policies that restrict direct sales and dictate revenue sharing models. Additionally, Microsoft’s partnership with Amazon earlier this year integrated Xbox Cloud Gaming into select Fire TV devices.
By enabling cloud gaming on devices like the Amazon Fire TV Stick, which costs as little as $50, Microsoft is making its gaming services accessible to a broader audience. This strategy reflects Microsoft’s commitment to cloud gaming as a key component of its future growth, aiming to reach players who may not own dedicated gaming hardware.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 2:35 pm CET
