Microsoft to Allow Game Streaming for Owned Titles
Microsoft recently announced that players will soon be able to stream their game libraries, following the news that Xbox games can be “played and purchased” through the Android Xbox app. This development sets the stage for streaming non-Game Pass games, which will require purchase and download before playing. Xbox President Sarah Bond revealed that the rollout of owned-game streaming is scheduled for November.
Pros and Cons of Game Streaming
- Pro: Instant play with a strong and stable internet connection
- Pro: Games don’t take up space on your hard drive
- Con: Risk of game data loss if internet connection becomes unstable
- Con: Potential for frame rate dips during gameplay
Project Lapland and Game Library Expansion
Project Lapland, Microsoft’s game streaming initiative, will be tested by Xbox insiders before its official release. Once the full game library is integrated into Xbox Cloud Gaming, players can browse and stream new titles through the Android Xbox app. Some publishers may withhold certain games due to licensing agreements, and the transfer of the entire Xbox gaming catalog to the streaming service may occur in batches.
Cloud Gaming Expansion and Subscription Changes
Cloud Gaming is currently limited to the Android Xbox app in the US due to Google’s restrictions, but Microsoft plans to support it through an official website. Players in supported regions can stream games on various devices. The Xbox Games Pass now offers a new standard tier, with the Ultimate tier required for Cloud Gaming access.
Future of Cloud Gaming and Subscription Costs
Xbox is exploring a Cloud-Gaming only tier to potentially lower costs for customers. Currently, the Ultimate tier of Game Pass is priced at around per month. While free games in subscription services may not always be top-tier, it’s essential to assess the offerings before subscribing.
