Microsoft Is Developing A Netflixlike Streaming Service For Xbox Games
Microsoft is developing an online streaming service similar to Netflix for video games. It promises to bring 'console-quality gaming to any device'.
The company, based in Redmond, claims that players will be in a position to stream blockbuster films to their Xbox, laptop or smartphone.
It is unclear if users will need to pay for games individually or if they will be able access the entire library for a monthly fee, such as video on-demand.
Microsoft does not believe that streaming will replace dedicated home consoles The company is hinting that a new Xbox hardware is already in development.
Microsoft is developing a Netflix-style streaming video game service that will bring console-quality gaming to all devices. Microsoft also announced 50 new games to fans during its E3 presentation - which is a record for the Redmond-based company
Phil Spencer, Xbox boss revealed the coming video game streaming service claimed to allow gamers to play console-quality games on any device.
Executive President of Gaming Phil Spencer revealed Microsoft's plans to develop a cloud-based service during its press conference at the video game Expo E3 in Los Angeles.
Spencer said: 'Our cloud engineers are creating an online gaming network that will enable console-quality gaming on any device.
"We are dedicated to improving your gaming experience wherever you play - on your Xbox or PC and your phone."
This method, referred to as Cloud Gaming, allows players to access a vast library of titles without the need to download or install every individual game.
Cloud gaming lets console-quality games to run on less powerful devices such as smartphones. All the heavy lifting is performed on a server and not on the device used by the player.
This is quite different from traditional console games, that have to process all the data on the disc locally, and therefore require powerful chipsets and fan systems.
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Xbox director Spencer hasn't revealed an exact date for the launch of the service on-stage, although he has previously teased that Microsoft's game streaming service could arrive prior to 2020.
The company isn't the first to express an interest in a service that streams games, with rival PlayStation already giving players the option of streaming games to their devices.
PlayStation Now is a subscription service that costs PS12.99 ($20 per month) and allows players to stream over 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 focus on video game streaming, Microsoft has not abandoned its hardware plans.
It is not clear if users will need to pay for individual titles or the possibility of being able to access the entire library for a flat monthly charge, similar to Netflix.
However, despite teasing streaming services, Microsoft revealed plans to continue building 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 reveal the follow-up to the Xbox One, with hints that Microsoft might have multiple new consoles planned.
The same team that produced an unprecedented performance with Xbox One X is currently deep into designing the next Xbox consoles, and we will once again keep our promise to set the benchmark 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.
He told Eurogamer: "As you think about this next generation of hardware that is going to arrive, many of the massive, huge games that people play today are still going to exist when the next hardware comes out.
There isn't an "2" at the middle of these games, as they are trying to get you to the next version. In the old model of games shipping being played, and then moving on switching consoles was an easy step-function.
We went through it with Minecraft. We didn't release Minecraft 2 on Xbox One to try to make everyone move to the next console because that's not what Minecraft players want. They want Minecraft to improve.
"When you think of games like Fortnite or PUBG you think of the vast ecosystems and games that will be available when new hardware is released the players will continue to play these games, and it's crucial for us to help them.
Microsoft has unveiled a brand new entry in its wildly popular Halo series named Halo Infinite, which will be exclusive to Xbox-branded consoles
Elsewhere, Microsoft showcased a record 50 new games for fans during its E3 presentation.
The company released a selection of exclusive titles, including brand new entries in its Halo and Gears of War series.
Spencer spoke of the company's "most diverse gaming portfolio" as the new list of games.
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