Microsoft’s game streaming service goes live

CNBC wrote: “Think of xCloud as the ‘Netflix of games.’ Microsoft’s game streaming service lets you play high-quality games, which typically require a powerful Xbox game console, anywhere there is a connection to Fast enough internet (10 Mbps or better) without the need to buy an Xbox. Netflix, by comparison, requires half that speed, or 5 Mbps, for HD video streaming. “

Microsoft’s new offering will compete with the Stadia service Google launched last year to stream PC games to devices using Android or Google’s Chrome operating system.

To access the game streaming, users must sign up for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which costs $ 14.99 per month after a $ 1 trial and offers more than 150 games.

The service will launch with more than 150 games, Microsoft announced on Monday (September 14). Games currently available include Minecraft, Forza Horizon 4, and NBA 2K20. Some titles are free.

“One of the key benefits of cloud gaming is that it gives you more options on how to play,” said Kareem Choudhry, Microsoft’s vice president of cloud gaming, in a prepared statement. “Because your Xbox profile resides in the cloud, you can easily continue your Wasteland 3 game that started on your Xbox console in your living room on your Android phone or tablet. It’s perfect for those times when you want to get involved in a gaming session while away from home or when your shared TV or console is busy. With the cloud, a game like Sea of ​​Thieves can be transformed into a great cooperative experience on the couch with multiple people playing on the console, PC and mobile devices in the same room. “

Choudry added: “Cloud gaming as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate now opens up the world of Xbox to those who may not own a console at all.”

While today’s Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is receiving considerable attention, at least one major player in the industry voiced doubts about streaming games in an interview this week. Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive Software, told Protocol, “I’m sure there were people like that, but if they’re so interested that they want to pay $ 60 or $ 70 for a top-of-the-line title, it’s hard for me to believe that they weren’t willing to spend $ 250 on a console to be able to do it sometime in their life … I suspect it won’t be transformative. “

The service comes as Apple and Google battle with app creators, including game makers, who argue that companies’ App Store policies unfairly require developers to sign unfair revenue-sharing agreements.

On September 11, Apple took some steps to adjust the company’s policies on revenue distribution.