Project xCloud is a game streaming service being rolled out by Microsoft. The world of game streaming is still in its infancy, but it’s growing at a rapid pace. This piece will delve into the offering from Microsoft, Project xCloud. Is this the future of gaming?
First off, what is it? Project xCloud is essentially Netflix, but for games. The service will allow users to stream full games directly to their mobile device, whether that be their smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Microsoft are reportedly also hoping to allow you to stream games on your PC and TV.
All the heavy lifting that a console would usually do, will be replaced by 54 data centres located across the globe. This also means that the service could be potentially available to as many as 140 countries.
Microsoft has already demonstrated the technology at a convention, showing a user playing Forza Horizon 4 on an unnamed Android smartphone, using a controller paired to it via Bluetooth. By all accounts, it worked seamlessly, but there is a big reason for that.
You are obviously going to need a solid internet connection to take full experience of the technology. Everyone who has played an online game knows all about lag, and this issue will be made even worse when streaming an entire game.
Therefore, you are going to need that strong internet connection, and this may also be a downside for users in countries that either don’t have high-speed internet connections, or are able to enjoy stable, quick internet.
Microsoft is also hoping the emergence of 5G will help with this issue. As high speed, reliable internet spreads across the globe, their product will become more and more viable to more people.
This has been one of the major issues with Google’s Stadia. Also a game streaming service, Stadia hasn’t quite lived up to its potential simply because of internet speed. Only a small portion of their player base can fully enjoy the service, while others can barely access it at all.
One thing that Microsoft has made very clear, is that xCloud isn’t meant to replace, or even really compete with existing consoles. They don’t want you getting xCloud instead of the new Xbox for example.
In fact, they are hoping the two can work side by side, much like how Playstation had the PSP, which would be your gaming experience on the go, but could obviously not compete with, or even replace a Playstation console.
Microsoft is hoping that xCloud will be a service you use on the road when you are passing time on a road trip, spend your lunch hour at work playing, it’s more about having games at your fingertips when you aren’t at home with your console.
Since it’s a Microsoft product, you would think only Xbox controllers will be compatible. This isn’t the case, as Microsoft have stated you will be able to use your PS controller, as well as some Razer controllers.
Xbox users will also be able to access over 100 titles in September during the Beta release, if they are the owners of a Game Pass Ultimate. Access to xCloud will also be free to Game Pass Ultimate holders.
With regards to games, Microsoft has said there are already 3,500 games available for the xCloud, with a further 1,900 in the pipeline, ensuring there will be no shortage of title to choose from once the service is fully operational.
Microsoft has also stated that they are in talks with third-party developers, as well as their own, to produce xCloud exclusive games that take advantage of the technology, and possibly work in conjunction with existing titles.
At the moment, there is no support for iOS. This can be a downside for many people if they were hoping to use their new iPhone as a gaming platform. As of right now though, Android is the only platform that will support xCloud.
With regards to competition, Google Stadia and PS Now might actually struggle to compete with xCloud. Stadia had an almost pitiful welcome, and the fact that you need to pay for titles on top of paying for the service is a big downside for users, considering you just need to pay for a subscription with xCloud.
PS Now might have a bigger library, but Xbox’s game pass is almost universally acknowledged as being better value for money. Playstation users will most likely stick to their guns, but it’s important to know how fairly cheap a xCloud subscription is going to be.
xCloud is set to release in the later part of this year, although there have been some delays due to the pandemic. However, 22 countries will be part of the release on the 15th of September, with countries mainly in Europe and the United States having access. Obviously more and more countries will be added to this list as the servers go online.
This new game streaming service has the serious potential of being the benchmark for the future of this technology. Microsoft is offering a vast array of games at a very reasonable price, and at the moment, xCloud can very easily be the king of the hill when it comes to game streaming, only time will tell if they can hang on to their crown.