Microsoft Is Developing A Netflix-like Streaming Service For Xbox Games
Microsoft is developing a streaming service that resembles Netflix for video games that promises to bring console-quality gaming to any device'.
Redmond-based company claims that players will be able stream blockbuster movies to their Xbox laptop, computer or smartphone.
It's not clear if players will need to pay for the specific games, or be able to access the entire library for a monthly cost similar to video on demand services.
Microsoft does not believe that streaming will replace dedicated consoles in the end However, the company teased that new Xbox hardware was in the works.
Microsoft is creating a Netflix-style streaming video game service that will bring console-quality gaming to all devices. During its E3 presentation, Microsoft also unveiled 50 new games to fans - a record for the Redmond-based firm.
Phil Spencer, Xbox boss, teased the future video game streaming service he said will allow gamers to play console-quality games on any device.
Microsoft's Executive President of Gaming Phil Spencer spoke at the E3 press conference in Los Angeles to reveal its plans to build a cloud-based service.
Spencer said: "Our cloud engineers are developing a gaming streaming network for console-quality gaming on all devices.
'We are dedicated to perfecting your experience everywhere you want to play on - your Xbox or PC, as well as your smartphone.'
Cloud Gaming is a way players can have access to a vast collection of games without needing to download or install every one.
Cloud gaming can enable console-quality video games to run on less powerful devices, such as smartphones, as all of the heavy lifting is done on servers, not the device used by the player.
This is very different from traditional video console games, which have to process all the data on the disc locally and therefore require powerful chipsets as well as fan systems.
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Xbox director Spencer did not announce a launch date for the service in his keynote, however he has previously teased that Microsoft's game streaming might arrive in 2020.
The company isn't the only one to be interested in streaming services for games. Rival PlayStation also offers the option of streaming games to your devices.
PlayStation Now is a subscription service that costs PS12.99 ($20 per month) and allows players to stream over 500 titles on their PlayStation 4 or Windows PC.
After it bought rival services Gaikai, OnLive, and Sony, Sony launched its cloud gaming platform.
But despite its focus on streaming video games, Microsoft has not abandoned its hardware plans.
It's unclear whether players will be required to pay for access specific titles, or if they will be able to access the entire library for a flat monthly fee, much like Netflix
But despite teasing a streaming service, Microsoft revealed plans to continue to build Xbox hardware and consoles, with new models being developed.
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 to announce the Xbox One's sequel, and hints that Microsoft might have several new consoles in development.
'The same team that delivered incredible performance with Xbox One X is deep into architecting the next Xbox consoles, where we will fulfill our promise to set the standard for console gaming,' he said.
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 generation of hardware, a lot of the big, massive games people are currently playing will be around when the next hardware arrives."
You're unlikely to see an "2" after all that games, since people are trying to move you to the next version of these games. In the older model of games being shipped being played, and then moving on the console switch was a simple step-function.
'We went through it with Minecraft. We didn't release Minecraft 2 on Xbox One to try to force everyone to switch to the next console because this isn't what Minecraft players want. They simply want Minecraft to improve.
"When you think of games like Fortnite or PUBG, you think about the large games and ecosystems that will be available when new hardware is released, people will still want to play these games, and it's going be important for us to help them.
Microsoft has revealed Halo Infinite, a new installment in its popular Halo series. https://photography-blogs.co.uk/ will be available on Xbox-branded consoles.
Microsoft also presented a record number of new games to its players during its E3 presentation.
The company has released a range of exclusive titles, including brand new entries in its Halo and Gears of War series.
Spencer described the company's "most diverse gaming portfolio" as the new list of games.