400°

Project xCloud: More for Gamers and Developers

Microsoft:
Last fall, we pulled back the curtain on Project xCloud – our game-streaming technology. Our vision for Xbox is that you can play the games you want, with the people you want, on the devices you want. Project xCloud brings us closer to fully realizing that vision. Our teams around the globe have been hard at work, building out and testing the system. We recently rolled out an alpha version to Microsoft employees through our take home program and are using the feedback to make improvements, ensuring Project xCloud offers customers a great experience.

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news.xbox.com
slate912211d ago

"Today you can play three generations of amazing games on Xbox One. That means that Project xCloud has the technical capability to stream more than 3,500 games, without any changes or modifications required by a developer. In other words, developers will be able to dramatically scale their existing games across devices, with no additional development, no additional code base maintenance and no separate updates. When a developer updates the Xbox One version of their title, those updates will also apply to all versions available on Project xCloud without any additional work."

Well then.

RainOfTerror2211d ago

not really anything earth-shattering there, that's pretty much the idea of the cloud.

timotim2211d ago

Having over 3.5K games to play, anytime, anywhere, on a vast array of device types is pretty impressive. Services like PSNow does currently provide streaming, but it's only to consoles and PC with only older games available. Shield exists too, but doesn't have a lot of console games available.

Razzer2211d ago

"not really anything earth-shattering there'

Yeah, it isn't. MS has already said that xCloud would be powered by Xbox One console. So when you log into the xCloud app you are actually firing up an actual console a long way away. So why wouldn't you be able to play games that an Xbox One can play?

pinkcrocodile752211d ago

RoT doesn't kow much if thats what he/she/ze/it thinks. Pull herad out from up @rse RoT

RainOfTerror2211d ago (Edited 2211d ago )

jeez, you guys are going at it good LOL

All I meant to say was that the statement Microsoft issued revealed absolutely nothing we did not know already, no new revelations of any kind.

The concept of being able to play through the cloud has been around for years now, the ability to play any game on any type of device that has a screen and with an inet connection is not new, albeit every other company thus far has failed/shut down.

A game being up to date through the cloud? That's like bring surprised the light turns on when you flip the switch.

The real hoopla was when Microsoft pimped Crackdown 3 as being improved due to cloud computing, and we all know what a disappointment that was. When they deliver on that promise, then I'll give them credit..

Razzer2211d ago

@RainOfTerror

These are sensitive types, unfortunately. You said nothing that wasn't the truth.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 2211d ago
jznrpg2211d ago ShowReplies(3)
Aenea2211d ago

@timotim

"Having over 3.5K games to play, anytime, anywhere, on a vast array of device types is pretty impressive."

Indeed it is! Now show which devices I can use NOW to play those 3500 games on!

"Services like PSNow does currently provide streaming, but it's only to consoles and PC with only older games available."

But I can play those games NOW on console and PC, xCloud is not available yet...

"Shield exists too, but doesn't have a lot of console games available."

None actually since it is a streaming game PC, supports Steam, BattleNET, etc. And supports a heck of a lot more games than 3500 ;)

Vasto2211d ago

Super hyped to see this at E3!

Marioraider182211d ago (Edited 2211d ago )

I do cloud gaming on PC and it kinda sucks. Input lag, really bad blacks, fog, and particles and not native display. I have 300 mbps internet just fyi.

shiva12211d ago (Edited 2211d ago )

You from north pole?

Marioraider182210d ago

Nope I live by NYC. The server that Im connected to is in NYC. And my latency is low.

2211d ago
AngainorG7X2211d ago

Ok i want to ask a silly question because i'm not really familiar with this Xcloud/streaming stuff.

From what i've read (and please correct me if im wrong), if you are using Azure cloud for example, you will be able to play your games on a phone, on a tablet etc. In other words you just need a "device" and a subscription to Azure Cloud to get this thing rolling. Same goes for Sony, they will be using Azure (most likely) and we will be able to play all these beautiful games like God Of War and Uncharted 4 on a tablet or a phone etc. Now my question is since you need a "device" in order to be able to stream these games, will there be any limitations on the devices that you will be able to use in order to stream. I mean for example Xbox One X is considered as a "device". Will i be able to stream via this specific device (Xbox) games that are Exclusives to Playstation using my Xbox Controller and my TV? And vice versa (using Playstation 5 and Dualshock 5 to stream... Fable 4?)

Can someone please enlight me how this works?

Thank you in advance

XBManiac2211d ago

If there is an xCloud app for your PlayStation 5, you will be able to play those 3.500 Xbox Games on your PlayStation 5. If the app is available on PS4, the same. If the app for xCloud is launched on Mac OS, too. Maybe, that app is named Mixer. Like the Stadia app is called Youtube.

Razzer2211d ago

I would assume it would work exactly how PS Now works. If the device has the streaming app then it will be able to stream/play the games.

"will there be any limitations on the devices that you will be able to use in order to stream"

Yes. You will only be able to stream to devices for which the platform has created an official app.

crazyCoconuts2211d ago

Some people don't like to hear the comparison to PSNow, but yes it's the same idea + extra spin.

Parasyte2210d ago

Also, if the hardware of said device can support it along with having a strong enough internet/WiFi connection.

rainslacker2211d ago

The device will have to have an app, unless they allow streaming through a web browser, in which case some devices may work with that. The limitations will depend on the device itself. For instance, if your mobile device only supports 720p, then it won't stream 1080.

XBManiac2210d ago

Stadia is that, you only need a platform with access to Youtube and compatible with a Stadia controller (or, as commented, a Windows or Android compatible controller). It can be an old smarphone or the best of PCs, as well as any SmartTV that can play Youtube videos on streaming.

rainslacker2210d ago

Not really sure why I got disagrees for a rather innocuous comment, but whatever.

@Sir

So I've heard. I was talking about xCloud, and didn't notice the OP asked about streaming in general. xCloud apparently has some onscreen controllers for their app. It was demonstrated with Forza. There's a lot of buttons to account for though, so I'm curious how well it really works. Even large screens have fingers take up a lot of the graphics real estate.

meep3162211d ago (Edited 2211d ago )

The only reason this makes any sense is because it gives publishers 100% control over their games, no piracy, no lending, no used games, and cheating would be super hard. There is no other reason to run games sever side, especially going forward.

Atom6662211d ago

No other reason?

Removing hardware from the consumer equation almost completely removes barriers for entry in the market.

Can't afford a $300 console to play the new game? No problem.

meep3162211d ago (Edited 2211d ago )

If you can’t afford $300 you aren’t going to be able to afford to stream games. Plus you have to remember, an iPhone can already play fortnite at 60 FPS... in a few years what device won’t be powerful enough to game on? Stop drinking the kool aid, this doesn’t make sense.

TacoTaco2211d ago

If you can't afford a $300 console you can't afford a $10-$15/month subscription?

Are you joking? Lol I guess everyone who subscribes to Netflix may as well buy a Switch since it's so comparable.

meep3162211d ago (Edited 2211d ago )

@TacoTaco its not just the subscription, you need the bandwidth. You're telling me someone who cant afford $300 has the required internet connection and can afford $10-$15 a month? That wont even include every game Im sure, youre going to have to pay for most big AAA games one way or another on top of everything else.

meep3162211d ago

Am I being astro turfed here? or is this just the effects of heavy amounts of pr? Almost nobody was on board with streaming mere weeks ago.

Atom6662211d ago

I wish you were being astro turfed, I could use the money.

You made a statement that there was no other reason for it. I disagree with you. It makes business sense to eliminate the barrier for entry to get straight to selling content to consumers no matter their hardware.

If mobile capabilities will be so great, why even bother buying a PS5, or a new graphics card? Just wait on your iPhone games. But I think you have a long way to go before that becomes viable.

I don't like many aspects of it, but if I could play a high end AAA game without buying a powerful PC or that particular console, cool, I'll try it out. Maybe I only buy one of the consoles next gen.

If I'm traveling and want to play something that I would need a console or rig to play, streaming would be a decent option.

Broadband is becoming a basic utility for many people. I'm not persuaded by this idea that having broadband = having the means or desire to spend $ on hardware - especially when it becomes more viable to no longer need the hardware.

meep3162211d ago (Edited 2211d ago )

I don’t think you can see the forest for the tress when mobile is already much bigger than the consoles.
“If mobile capabilities will be so great, why even bother buying a PS5, or a new graphics card? Just wait on your iPhone games. But I think you have a long way to go before that becomes viable.”
And we have a long way to go before streaming is viable for most people (it’s god awful now), and by the time it is viable mobile will already be “viable” (it already is for millions, besting console revenue easily). So what is your point? Fortnite is 60 FPS today, it’s not as far off as you seem to think. Apple is also putting their software on all major brands of tvs now and google has dabbled a bit too. Your phone will become the hub and connect to anything, no point in running games server side except for control. Vulcan API is also huge for easy cross platform development.

Atom6662211d ago

Streaming is viable for many right now. It's about to grow exponentially this year. Cell phones capable of running AAA games? Not so much.

You keep using Fortnite as your crutch here, but what about the 40gb game I downloaded to my console yesterday? You think it's viable to expect phones to replace my ability to play that game anytime soon? Hell, that would have taken up most of my storage space in my too-damn-expensive phone as it is.

It looks like I'll be able to stream it soon, though.

Whether it's by Apple or Google, your downloaded mobile game is just as "controlled" as a streaming service.

We could all buy our movies on physical or as digital downloads. Many of us choose to stream instead. Why is that?

Cost and ease of access. Now why might game streaming also find success? It's a logical business move, and might be attractive to a lot of consumers as an option due to its low cost and ease of access.

2210d ago
Atom6662210d ago

Why would I think it would be free? Is Netflix free? Is PS Now free? No, but it's cheaper than purchasing the necessary hardware and physical copies.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 2210d ago
NeoGamer2322211d ago (Edited 2211d ago )

That is completely false. It benefits gamers by allowing them to play on more devices rather then just sitting in front of a console. I can play on my tablet, phone, PC, etc... All without having to buy the game on all those devices or install the game on those devices.

I for one travel a lot.... And it is a complete pain to pack my "portable" console setup with me everywhere. If I could stream on a tablet I would do it in a heartbeat and leave my "portable" console setup where it should be.... At the bottom of the ocean as an anchor.

Show all comments (77)
270°

After years of waiting, Xbox Cloud Gaming's "Stream Your Own Game" feature is going live today.

Xbox Cloud Gaming victory: Finally, after years of waiting, you can now play (some of) your Xbox games on Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Read Full Story >>
windowscentral.com
darthv72204d ago

Oh what timing... now that Portal is offering cloud streaming as well.

OtterX202d ago (Edited 202d ago )

Yea, it's incredible having titles available in handheld streaming format without having to have a console on. This is even better for traveling. I was messing around w it for the first time this morning and the quality was so good, I forgot at times that I was actually streaming. (1gbs) any minor imperfections aren't amplified like they would be on a big screen tv.

I guess XBox users can still do it if they have a Steam Deck, ROG etc, so nobody is left out. Streaming like this is best for handheld play IMO.

crazyCoconuts202d ago

I've tried streaming from various hotel chains while traveling. Hotel WiFi in general sucks and that makes streaming untenable

OtterX202d ago

@crazyCoconuts I guess it depends on your traveling style. I usually stay in privately owned hostels across our country who tend to invest more in good internet. I always check with them before I book.

OtterX201d ago

I just tested the Portal from our new home we're moving into, a 2 hour drive away and in the rural countryside where we have to run Starlink. No fibre available here, but getting 357 mbs, and I'm streaming my PS5 from our 1gbs at our old home. It's streaming perfectly, so not sure what you're going on about @crazycoconuts.

Neonridr202d ago

*for select titles, for premium members only..

Vits202d ago

What bothers me about this new Xbox offering is that you still need a Game Pass Ultimate subscription to play. It’s not like Stadia, where you could buy the game and play it without needing a subscription, which was only for extra features. So, who is this really meant for?

To use the service, you’d need to buy the game and keep paying for Game Pass Ultimate. That’s asking a lot, especially since Xbox console owners, who are probably the main audience for this, would likely prefer to just download the game and play it directly on their consoles. There’s a small case to be made for Xbox owners who travel often, but how big could that group really be?

As for Sony, their approach to streaming is also strange. They limit how games can be streamed locally. For example, the mobile app allows screen controls but doesn’t support most physical controllers, only the DualSense and, for some games, the DS4. Their reasoning seems to be that these controllers are needed for the proper features—yet the app lets you play with screen controls, and there’s even a third-party app that works with any controller.

Then there’s the Portal, which is basically a DualSense with a screen and an internet connection. But it’s only now getting cloud streaming, even though there’s no technical reason it couldn’t have had this from the start.

Bathyj202d ago

I was going to ask is this not what Portal is doing?

Are you telling me after all these years of bathering about cloud streaming you couldn't play your own games? WTactualF?

darthv72202d ago (Edited 202d ago )

playing your own games via streaming required the console (ala remote play). Now you can stream games you own without the need for the console to be on.

the xcloud beta was only for gamepass ultimate games and now you can stream ones you own regardless if they are in GPU or not.

Knushwood Butt202d ago

Power of da cloud, just a few years late.

redrum06202d ago

Still, that's for the Playstation Plus Premium/Extra library. This is for streaming games you own, which would've been nice to have on PS as well.

Kyizen202d ago

Different. Portal is catching up to Xbox Cloud Streaming but Xbox is catching up to Portal remote play feature it had at launch

darthv72202d ago

XB has always been able to stream games you own from the console (ala remote play).
The xcloud side let you stream without the console but only games in game pass.
NOW it is letting you stream games you own through xcloud without them needing to be in game pass.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 201d ago
MaximusPrime_202d ago

Thanks goodness for PS Portal. I don't even own Xbox

Giodel202d ago

omg I AM SO SO SO SOSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO tired of this sites PS fanatism. This is an XBOX post for something XBOX does why do you have to go and mention portal? WHY tell me WHY?

VersusDMC202d ago

All the Fck horizon, Concord, PS5 pro articles and comments really make it a ps fanatic site...are you delusional?

Redgrave202d ago

Such is the nature of any gaming related website. It is inevitable. Unavoidable.

Some do it out of passion, some out of self amusement, and some just wish to sow pointless discourse.

Xbox posts will have Playstation comments and vice versa. Here, there, everywhere.

Nooderus202d ago

VersusDMC Yes i think most of the people that frequent this site have a positive sony bias.

Rockstar202d ago

Alright, calm down! It's just the Internet

redrum06202d ago

I know, N4G is known to be a PS centric fanboy site, it's ridiculous. Instead of constantly downplaying Xbox in whatever they do, maybe just be happy for the other. Competition is a good thing to have.

Michiel1989202d ago

@nooderus I honetly think there's nothing wrong with bias, but it really does seem that critical thinking goes out the window because of it, that part I just don't understand. Wouldn't people want the company/product or what have you to do the best they can instead of accepting everything they shovel towards you because you like them?

Gamingsince1981202d ago

Every site is playstation biased, because every one likes playstation and xbox is dead, what do you expect. That's like saying "this food site has a biased towards good food but everyone hates eating poo, it's so unfair to poo eaters"

cooperdnizzle202d ago

Well if you were on this site like 15 years ago you would know, that it was 99% Xbox fans and if you were Sony fans you had to fight tooth and nail to just say a game was good.

Second people like PS now days because it is by far the better platform.

Nacho_Z202d ago

Only seems that way ("PS fanatism") because Sony is currently on top. Naturally there will be more positive articles and comments about the front runner.

+ Show (7) more repliesLast reply 202d ago
GotGame818202d ago (Edited 202d ago )

Sure, you can't leave the house with it, and play. Wii U did that YEARS ago right out of the box. You can cloud play, literally anywhere.

crazyCoconuts202d ago

Are you sure your Portal... Isn't an Xbox??

TheEroica202d ago

"thank goodness" 😂 what a shill.... The portal is a joke... One that only Sony could get away with on its soft brained fan base.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 202d ago
neomahi202d ago

I really don't think Nintendo and PlayStation need to get caught up in this. Streaming isn't the future, yet and there's no rush to get into that market. If Nintendo is still selling a mass number of Nintendo Switch consoles, what does that tell you? It tells you Xbox is trying to stay relevant and bring everyone along with them, but, like PlayStation's own fans have been telling PlayStation "THATS NOT WHAT WE WANT" and PlayStation is learning the hard way they're not listening to their consumers like they were with the PS3 and PS5. But, this isn't what people want yet. Nintendos dabbling in it and PlayStation has been doing it since they acquired Gaikai, but it's never stuck. People that have been streaming movies and ditching it and collecting physical media again, it's slowly going back in that direction and they'll tell their gaming brethren not to fall for it. Theyre getting physical media and loading it on to their own servers to run on home servers within their walls THEY control, not the corporations that sell them a license, not a product they pay for and own. Imagine buying cloths or your house that can be repossessed whenever Nike, DC, Vans, or Reebok want to take back because it goes out of style when they say so.

Streaming may be the future but it's the distant future. Internet service providers can't even sustain that. Data caps still exist and internet isn't that fast as it's most affordable prices. You're attacking a REALLY niche market that's going to be received as well as the PS5 Pro. Xbox killed their brand with the Xbox One that wanted to integrate streaming into their games to further try and sell and incentivise Xbox Live and we saw that went. Streaming could very well cause the next gaming crash, is how I see it. The rest of the tech world isn't ready for that, especially during yet another trying economy

cooperdnizzle202d ago

Hey dude they can take your house back. It’s called property tax. Paying for something you already own.

But I agree, I have already had digital games taken from me. Sucks

jznrpg202d ago (Edited 202d ago )

More options are good but streaming as a whole has a lot of issues. I will always prefer dedicated hardware. I’m bring my PS with me when I travel. Internet is not good traveling

darthv72202d ago (Edited 202d ago )

A PS5 (even slim) does not make for a good travel companion. Meaning on the go, not in a closed environment like a hotel room, but on a plane or a train or an automobile... this is what works in all of those situations: https://images.purexbox.com...

Its nice an compact but obviously still bigger than a handheld. If you want that 'console' experience that is.

Rashers202d ago

That still requires power leads for both the console and screen.

127maXimus202d ago

Yeah but you would still have to buy them for Xbox.

Show all comments (41)
100°

With Owned Xbox Games Finally Playable via the Cloud - the Promise of Stadia Returns

After some false starts over the past 24 hours, playing your owned games on Xbox Cloud Gaming is live. The cloud console officially returns! Is it Stadia's promise finally fulfilled?

Read Full Story >>
clouddosage.com
anast204d ago

I told you all. Here is comes.

204d ago
Eonjay203d ago

Playstation was already doing this with Premium. A lot of the games I own are streamavle on PS5. I assume they will eventually add access to the Portal.

NotoriousWhiz203d ago

False. Only games Playstation allows you to stream are those available on PSN premium regardless of whether or not you own them.

What Microsoft is beginning to do is enable streaming of some titles even though they aren't part of game pass (as long as they are owned by the user)

Eonjay202d ago

It's not false. I bought Final Fantasy Rebirth on PSN and I can still stream it to my PS5 even though it's not part of Plus. Same with many many other titles. PlayStation has allowed this since they revamped their streaming service like a tear ago. This will eventually come to Portal streaming during the beta I am sure.

gold_drake204d ago

yeh, we all saw what happened to it.

peppeaccardo203d ago

Whoever decided that gaming streaming was actually a thing to charge customers for is a F-ing genius .... even playstation portal lags and is only few feet away !from the PS5! Simply Why ? ... Why ?

250°

Coming to Game Pass: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, StarCraft & StarCraft II, and More

Happy spooky season to those who celebrate! We have a collection of scary games for you to enjoy with Game Pass, while hiding under the blankets (or maybe that’s just how I play). And if you want to do something slightly less scary, we have a whole list of games for you to start pre-installing including more day one additions like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and more! Let’s get to the games.

• South Park: The Fractured but Whole (Cloud, Console, and PC) – October 16
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – October 25
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (Cloud) – October 25
Game Pass Ultimate
• Call of Duty: Warzone (Cloud) – October 25
Game Pass Ultimate
• Ashen (Cloud, Console, and PC) – October 29
• Dead Island 2 (PC) – October 31
• StarCraft: Remastered (PC) – November 5
• StarCraft II: Campaign Collection (PC) – November 5

Read Full Story >>
news.xbox.com
240d ago
crazyCoconuts240d ago

Let the COD on GamePass experiment begin!
I would think their quarterly revenue will take a hit compared to a year ago, but will maybe make up for it throughout the year as the monthly GP subs keep coming in

pwnmaster3000240d ago

Was up with call of duty man?
I downloaded cod on gamepass and for some reason I cannot access the game.

darthv72240d ago

just curious what version? There are some that you can pre-load, but they wont work until their release date later this month.

pwnmaster3000240d ago

I have to redownload it again for the 3rd time to check.
I ended up just deleting it to make room for other games after the second time.

It was on Xbox game pass, I didn’t know there was other versions. I just downloaded everything, but sadly I couldn’t even access the game. Maybe 3rd time the charm. I’ll download it again.

SPEAKxTHExTRUTH240d ago

It’s not out yet man unless you’re talking about MW3.

pwnmaster3000240d ago

I’m talking about mw3. For some reason I could not get it to work.

just_looken240d ago

On xbox there is the last gen/current gen versions pc though you could also get a xbox version.

When that new forza first came out for one day they had the xbox version on the pc store i was like ? what it was odd.

On xbox you can easily download the one version of a game instead of the series version so you run into issues on your series console.

pwnmaster3000239d ago

Because a game won’t run after I download it??
Man your kids must hate your @ss if that’s how you think.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 239d ago
dveio240d ago

It's going to be very interesting to follow up on how the new entry of CoD will perform at the box office, player numbers and distribution of Xbox, PC and PS versions this year.

240d ago
DivineHand125240d ago

I got excited thinking they ported StarCraft to consoles but it's just the PC version. Also, I thought Starcraft 2 was already free to play.

TheColbertinator240d ago

I'm certain it is going to be the Campaign Collection version.

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