Microsoft is Developing an Streaming Service that is Netflix-like for Xbox Games
Microsoft is working on an online streaming video service that is Netflix-like for video games. It promises to deliver "console-quality gaming on any device'.
The Redmond-based company says that players will be able to stream blockbuster films to their Xbox laptop, desktop, or mobile.
It is unclear whether players will be required to pay for individual games or whether they will be able to access the entire library for a monthly charge including video on demand.
Microsoft believes that streaming will replace dedicated home consoles Microsoft is also hinting that a new Xbox hardware is already in the works.
Microsoft is creating a Netflix-style streaming video service that will bring console-style gaming to all devices. During its E3 presentation, Microsoft revealed 50 new games to fans - a record for the Redmond-based firm.
Phil Spencer, Xbox boss, teased the future video game streaming service, which claims to allow users 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 develop cloud-based services.
Spencer stated that: "Our cloud engineers are developing a game streaming network for console-quality gaming across all devices.
"We are dedicated to improving your gaming experience everywhere you play - on your Xbox or PC and even on your phone."
Cloud Gaming is a way for players to gain access to a huge library of titles without having to download or install every one.
Cloud gaming lets console-quality games to run on less powerful devices like smartphones. All the heavy lifting is performed on a server and not on the device being used by the player.
This is very different from traditional console games, which have to process everything on the disc locally and therefore require powerful chipsets as well as fan systems.
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Xbox director Spencer hasn't revealed the date of launch for the service on-stage, although Spencer has previously hinted that Microsoft's game streaming might be launched prior to 2020.
The company isn't the first to express an interest in a game streaming service, with the rival PlayStation already offering players the chance to stream titles to their devices.
Dubbed PlayStation Now, the subscription service costs PS12.99 ($20) per month. It allows users to stream more than 500 titles to their Sony PS4 or Windows PC.
Sony launched its cloud gaming service following it acquired rival services Gaikai and OnLive.
Microsoft has not given up on its hardware plans, despite its primary focus being on streaming video games.
It is unclear whether players will be required to pay for individual titles or whether they will be able to access the entire library for a flat monthly charge, similar to Netflix.
However, despite teasing streaming services, Microsoft revealed plans to continue to develop Xbox hardware with new consoles 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 sequel to the Xbox One, with hints that Microsoft might have a variety of new consoles planned.
'The same team that delivered incredible performance with Xbox One X is deep into designing the next Xbox consoles, and we will once again fulfill our promise to set the bar 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 wave of hardware, many of the big, massive games currently played will be around when the next hardware is released."
You won't see a "2" at the end of all these games because they are trying to take you to the next version. In the old model of games being shipped, getting played and being removed - and that was all of the games - a console transition was a straightforward 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 that's not what Minecraft gamers are looking for. They simply want Minecraft to get better.
When you think about games like PUBG and Fortnite and you think about these large games and ecosystems that'll be available, when the new hardware comes, people will continue to be interested in playing these games, and it's going to be essential for us as platforms to be able to support these games.'
Microsoft has revealed Halo Infinite, a new version of the popular Halo series. This will be available on Xbox-branded consoles.
Microsoft also presented a record number of brand new games to its players during its E3 presentation.
The company took the wraps off a range 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 latest list of games.