Project xCloud may sound like a crazy, action movie influenced entity, but it is actually a very exciting piece of tech that is going to cause major waves in the world of gaming, and put the best gaming titles out there right into the palm of your hand, no console needed.
What is Project xCloud? xCloud is Microsoft’s foray into the world of game streaming. Project xCloud is a streaming service that will allow you to stream and play games on your mobile device, and this just may be where the future is heading.
Microsoft has said that you will be able to stream games to your phone, tablet, laptop, and eventually your TV, think of it as Netflix but for games. Microsoft will have 54 data centres around the world, which will do all the heavy lifting that a console would do. This number of data centres means Microsoft has the potential to offer their service to over 140 countries.
Microsoft has also announced that xCloud will be available as part of a Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. This means you can play all the games on the Game Pass service, which at the moment is a massive selection.
Microsoft did demo the technology a little while back, showing someone play Forza Horizon 4 on an Android phone, with an Xbox controller that was connected over Bluetooth, everything seemed to be working perfectly.
This is where the first major hurdle comes into play. Considering watching Youtube videos with an OK WiFi signal causes them to buffer or lose quality at times, you are going to need a strong and consistent signal to get the most out of xCloud.
Considering the size of what you are streaming, full games in this instance, a strong signal is going to be a must. Latency is already the enemy in most online games, ensuring you have a strong wifi signal is going to be the most important aspect of this new service.
Microsoft has also made it explicitly clear that this service is not meant to replace existing consoles. Much like the PSP or even a Nintendo Switch, this service is meant to allow you to play on the go, no matter where you are.
This system is purely designed to allow you to take your gaming experience wherever you go, and considering nothing can beat playing on an HD monitor or TV.
The one thing that put a smile on gamers faces, is the fact that xCloud won’t just work with Xbox controllers. Microsoft has announced that some Razer controllers, as well as Sony’s Dualshock controllers will be compatible with the service.
A massive selling point for xCloud will be the fact that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate owners will have access to over 100 titles in the beta phase in September. This is a major plus for those people already invested in the Xbox ecosystem, allowing you to start playing on xCloud as early as possible, at no extra cost.
Considering this is a new service, Microsoft have also announced that they are in the early stages of discussions with their own development team and third party developers on the possibility of creating xCloud exclusive games.
Once the service has been officially and completely rolled out, it will apparently be able to stream over 3,500 games. Microsoft announced this staggering number, as well as saying over 1,900 more titles will be available over time.
Another challenge that xCloud will face, is how it stacks up against Google Stadia and PS Now. considering how lacklustre and almost disappointing Google Stadia has been, as for PS Now, the Xbox subscription service may have a smaller library than its PS counterpart, but it is definitely better value for money.
As for the release date, xCloud will be launching in about mid-September, barring any delays caused by the current world-wide pandemic. This release date does only apply to currently supported countries.
Even though these countries haven’t all been named yet, they will most likely include the US, UK, Canada, South Korea, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Sweden. More countries will be added to this list as the numerous servers are up and running.
Considering the idea of a gaming streaming service is the logical next step in the world of gaming, it is very exciting to see more giants of the industry putting forward their system. Microsoft may possibly have the best one at the moment.
The scope of titles available, as well as the amount of countries that will be supported, if it all goes to plan and works out, xCloud will definitely be the leader in game streaming.
Even though this year has been stalled due to the Coronavirus pandemic, adding an exciting entry into the world of gaming, like xCloud, along with the brand new PS5 and Xbox consoles, this year is shaping up to be an absolutely massive year for gaming.
Microsoft is once again proving to be a giant in the gaming field, not only with a new xBox, but also a service that is going to change the game completely, allowing you to play thousands of different games anywhere in the world.
