Microsoft unlocks Xbox cloud streaming of games you own
What just happened? It’s a landmark day for Xbox gamers who enjoy gaming on the go. Microsoft is finally fulfilling a long-awaited promise by enabling cloud streaming for select games you already own, and the feature is now available in 28 countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming is supported.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can stream 50 of their owned titles via Xbox Cloud Gaming. The initial lineup includes major hits like Cyberpunk 2077, Modern Warfare 2, Baldur’s Gate 3, Final Fantasy XIV, Hogwarts Legacy, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and Star Wars Outlaws.
But this is only the beginning, according to Ashley McKissick, head of Xbox platforms engineering. She confirmed that the library of cloud-playable games will continue to expand as Microsoft collaborates with partners to create a “diverse and expansive selection” available across devices.
The streaming expansion was originally announced in 2020 under the code name Project Lapland. Microsoft’s vision was to enable Xbox owners to stream their entire game libraries via the cloud. However, the journey was not without challenges. Managing the technical complexities of hosting thousands of titles, while ensuring seamless game updates and save syncing, likely proved more difficult than anticipated.
It seems those hurdles have now been overcome. However, as The Verge reports, some publishers may still restrict streaming for specific titles due to licensing agreements or existing deals.
While the initial rollout might appear modest, the update represents a significant leap in flexibility for subscribers. Gone are the days of downloading massive game files or waiting for updates – your game library is now just a few clicks away on virtually any screen.
Over time, Microsoft plans to bring thousands of games to the cloud, making gaming on the go more accessible than ever.
Looking ahead, Microsoft is actively working to expand streaming availability. Plans are already in motion to bring cloud gaming to Xbox consoles and the Windows Xbox app sometime next year.
These efforts align with Microsoft’s ambitious vision for the future of gaming. In a previous interview, Xbox chief Phil Spencer detailed the company’s goal for a unified gaming ecosystem. He stated that they want to reach a point where “when you buy, whether you’re buying on cloud – which we’re getting ready to introduce – buying on PC and buying on console, you own it across all of the Xbox ecosystem.”
Additionally, Microsoft appears to be making strides toward its own handheld device, moving beyond years of teasers to finally pursue active development.
