Microsoft xCloud Game Streaming service is all set to launch on September 15, 2020. The Android exclusive launch marks company’s efforts to finally venture into the evolving space of mobile gaming.
Microsoft’s Project xCloud service will be a part of the company’s Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. The game pass has been set a monthly price of $14.99. It would offer subscribers with access to over 100 games on Android smartphones and tablets.
The game streaming service would initially be launched in 22 countries including US, UK, Canada, Italy, France, Spain, South Korea and Switzerland. Furthermore, the xCloud services will also be available to Android users in Austria, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Poland, Portugal, Ireland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Germany and Finland.
Furthermore, ahead of the launch, Microsoft will also be ending its free xCloud preview on September 11, 2020. The updated version of the Xbox Game Pass app with Microsoft xCloudgame streaming service will be released on September 15.
What To Expect from Microsoft xCloud Game Streaming?
Additionally, it seems likely that the Google Play Store version of the app will not includein-app purchase capabilities. However, the Galaxy Store version for Samsung and One Store version in South Korea will both offer the in-app purchase feature.
The tech giant owning Xbox consoles will also collaborate with 8BitDo, Nacon, Power A and Razer to for controllers and accessories compatible with the xCloud. Moreover, players can also use their Xbox One or Sony’s Dual Shock 4 controllers to access xCloud games.
We don’t have a complete list of the Microsoft xCloud games yet but the company has officially confirmed the following game titles for the xCloud –
- F1 2019
- Destiny 2
- Grounded
- Bleeding Edge
- Gears of War 4
- Forza Horizon 4
- Costume Quest 2
- The Outer Worlds
- Ark: Survival Evolved
- Crackdown 3 (campaign)
- Gears 5 Ultimate Edition
- Gears of War: Ultimate Edition
- Halo Wars 2
- Halo 5: Guardians
- Halo: Spartan Assault
- Halo Wars: Definitive Edition
- Halo: The Master Chief Collection
- Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
- Killer Instinct Definitive Edition
- Max: The Curse of Brotherhood
- Quantum Break
- Ryse: Son of Rome
- Minecraft Dungeons
- ReCore: Definitive Edition
- Wasteland 3
- Wasteland Remastered
- Yakuza Kiwami 2
- S Tell Me Why
- unset Overdrive
- Super Lucky’s Tale
- The Bard’s Tale Trilogy
- Wasteland 2: Director’s Cut
- Sea of Thieves: Anniversary Edition
- State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps
- Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
However, it is worth noting that the Microsoft xCloud game streaming service won’t offer iOS support at the time of its launch. Interestingly, xCloud’s rival Google Stadia service is also unavailable on iPads and iPhones.
The Verge reported that a company official has said, “It’s our ambition to scale cloud gaming through Xbox Game Pass available on all devices, but we have nothing further to share at this time regarding iOS.”
The tech giant had tested its game streaming service for iOS too. But it was cited that the iOS testing was limited due to the Apple’s stricter App Store policies. While we don’t yet know about the details, several game streaming services reportedly struggle with getting on to the App Store.
It is still unknown that which of the specific policies are hindering gaming services includingMicrosoft xCloud game streaming service from getting on to the iOS. But, it is noteworthy that in the recent antitrust hearing against tech firms, Apple was also questioned by the House Judiciary Committee over its large 30 percent cut in the in-app purchases.
