Microsoft Is Building An Online Streaming Service That Is Like Netflix For Xbox Games
Microsoft is working on a Netflix-style streaming service for video games. The service promises to bring 'console-quality gaming to any device'.
The Redmond-based company claims that gamers will be able stream blockbuster movies to their Xbox laptop, computer or smartphone.
It's unclear if players will have to pay to play specific games, or be allowed to access the entire library for a monthly cost similar to video on demand services.
Microsoft does not believe streaming will replace dedicated home consoles The company is teasing that new Xbox hardware is already in development.
Microsoft is developing an online video game streaming service that will bring console-quality gaming to all devices. During its E3 presentation, Microsoft announced 50 new games for fans - an unprecedented feat for the company based in Redmond.
Phil Spencer, Xbox boss has teased the upcoming video game streaming service that claimed to allow gamers to play console-quality games on any device.
Microsoft's Executive Vice President of Gaming Phil Spencer spoke at the E3 press conference in Los Angeles to reveal its plans to create a cloud-based service.
Spencer said: 'Our cloud engineers are building a gaming streaming network that will enable console-quality gaming on any device.
"We are determined to improve your gaming experience wherever you play on your Xbox as well as your PC and your phone."
This approach, known as Cloud Gaming, allows players to access a vast collection of games without the need to download or install each game.
Cloud gaming can allow console-quality video games to run on smaller devices, such as smartphones, since all the heavy lifting is done on servers, not the device that is used by the player.
This is quite different from traditional console games, which have to process all the data on the disc locally and consequently require powerful chipsets and fan systems.
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Xbox director Spencer did not announce a launch date for the service in his keynote, however Spencer has previously hinted that Microsoft's game streaming could be launched prior to 2020.
The company is not the first to express an interest in a streaming service for games and its the rival PlayStation already giving players the chance to stream titles to their devices.
PlayStation Now is a subscription service that costs PS12.99 ($20 per month) and lets users stream more than 500 titles to their PlayStation 4 or Windows PC.
After it purchased rival services Gaikai, OnLive, and Sony, Sony launched its cloud gaming platform.
But despite its emphasis on streaming video games, Microsoft has not abandoned its hardware plans.
It's unclear if players will be required to pay for access specific titles, or will be able to access the entire library for a flat monthly fee, like Netflix
Microsoft has revealed plans to create Xbox hardware with new consoles in the works, despite teaser of a streaming service.
Xbox boss Phil Spencer remained tight-lipped on any specifics about the forthcoming console, however, the executive did reveal that backwards-compatibility with older video games would play significant role for the new hardware
Phil Spencer used the E3 keynote as a teaser for the Xbox One's follow-up, and hints that Microsoft could have a number of new consoles under development.
The same team that produced an unprecedented performance with Xbox One X is currently deep into architecting the next Xbox consoles, where we will once more keep our promise to set the benchmark for console gaming,' he added.
Spencer remained tight-lipped on any specifics about the console, however, the executive did reveal that backwards-compatibility with Xbox One games would play significant role for the new hardware.
Eurogamer was told by him: "When you think about the next wave of hardware, a lot the big, massive games people are currently playing will be around when the next hardware comes out."
You're unlikely to see a "2" after all of those games, since people are trying to take you to the next version of the games. In the old days of games shipping through the system, being played and going away - and that was the case for all games - a console change was a simple step-function.
We went through it with Minecraft. We didn't launch Minecraft 2 on Xbox One to force everyone to upgrade to the next console. This isn't what Minecraft players would like to see. They want Minecraft to improve.
"When you think of games such as Fortnite or PUBG you think of the vast ecosystems and games that will be out there when new hardware is released, people will still want to play these games and it's important for us to support these games.
Microsoft has revealed Halo Infinite, a new version of its popular Halo series. It will only be available on Xbox-branded consoles
Microsoft also showed an unprecedented amount of new games to its players during its E3 presentation.
The company ripped the wraps off a variety of exclusive titles, including the latest entries in its Halo and Gears of War series.
Spencer has described the company's "most diverse gaming portfolio" as the new list of games.