Xbox introduces cloud streaming service to its more affordable Game Pass plans
Microsoft is reshaping Xbox Game Pass with the latest development of expanding cloud game streaming to its lower tiers, Core and Standard. This move is a significant step in the company's long-term strategy for the platform, which has been evolving over the past few years.
The industry is witnessing a shift towards cloud gaming, and Microsoft's decision to open cloud access to all Game Pass tiers is not just a sweetener for current players but also a statement about the growing importance of cloud gaming. Competitors are closely watching Microsoft's moves in the cloud gaming sector.
Until now, cloud game streaming was only available with the $20 Ultimate plan. However, with this update, subscribers of the Core and Standard tiers will also be able to enjoy the convenience of cloud gaming. The rollout for the new feature does not have a clear timeline yet, but the test period suggests a quick expansion.
Microsoft retired Xbox Live Gold and replaced it with the Core tier in 2023. The Core tier bundles online multiplayer with a small catalog of games. A year after the introduction of the Core tier, Microsoft introduced the Standard tier as the middle tier between Core and Ultimate. Both Core and Standard tiers offered access to games at a lower cost but felt limited compared to the Ultimate plan.
To attract a wider audience and stay competitive in the gaming market, Microsoft is making cloud gaming more accessible. As of August 27, Insider program members can start testing cloud game streaming on lower tiers. Selected PC versions of games from the Xbox Game Pass library will be streamed to Game Pass Core and Standard subscribers as part of a beta test available initially through the Xbox Insider program. The offering allows streaming of cloud-enabled games and some PC titles via the Xbox app on Windows and supported browsers, aiming to increase flexibility and device reach beyond the Ultimate tier.
Nvidia has built GeForce Now entirely around cloud streaming, and Sony has started incorporating cloud features into PlayStation Plus. The industry is moving towards cloud gaming, and Microsoft's move to offer cloud streaming on all Game Pass tiers indicates a shift in the company's view of cloud gaming, positioning it as central to the future of gaming.
By expanding cloud game streaming to its lower tiers, Microsoft is changing the story for these subscribers. Bringing cloud streaming to the lower tiers aims to provide a more comprehensive gaming experience to a larger audience. The company is positioning itself at the forefront of the cloud gaming revolution, making gaming more accessible and convenient for everyone.
Read also:
- Understanding the Concept of Obesity
- Upcoming iPhone Model: What We Understand Thus Far
- Fixing a crucial aspect in Apple's Studio Display stands to improve the experience for both gamers and creative professionals alike.
- Cheech and Chong's marijuana business, valued at $100 million, is no laughing matter.
