Xbox Cloud Gaming will soon let you stream any game from your library
In a nutshell: Microsoft is ready to make a significant change to Xbox Cloud Gaming. Previously, the service has been strictly limited to a curated selection of Game Pass titles. Soon, subscribers can stream any game from their library.
Anonymous sources told The Verge that Microsoft is gearing up to expand the capabilities of its Xbox Cloud Gaming service. Starting in November, the Game Pass feature will allow players to stream any game they own, not just titles available through Game Pass. This upgrade, internally codenamed Project Lapland, will open up “thousands” of additional titles for cloud streaming.
Microsoft introduced the feature as xCloud in 2019, targeting a 2020 launch date, describing it as “stream any game on any device.” Instead, Game Pass rolled out a more limited version in November 2019. It wasn’t until February that Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer confirmed on the official Xbox podcast that the fully envisioned cloud streaming service would finally arrive later this year for all titles.
The launch isn’t going to be a free-for-all, though. The Verge notes that “some” publishers may initially hold back their games from the expanded streaming lineup due to licensing hurdles. However, subscribers will see a massive increase in content available for streaming.
Microsoft slated the rollout to begin in November, starting with a preview for Xbox Insiders. After that initial testing phase, Microsoft will expand streaming access to more users and games. So, it might take a bit before it reaches regular subscribers.
The timing works nicely with Microsoft’s recent legal win to bypass Google’s billing requirements on Android. Just last week, a court ruled Google must stop forcing the use of Google Play Billing for in-app purchases starting November 1. That clears the way for Xbox to enable direct game purchases and access through their Android app.
Xbox president Sarah Bond confirmed those plans, saying, “starting in November, players will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly from the Xbox App on Android.”
Combined with expanded cloud streaming, you could soon buy a game on your Android device and start streaming it immediately from the cloud. Microsoft has also been working on a browser-based Xbox mobile store initially targeted for July. It will start with offers and in-game items but eventually grow to offer first-party game purchases.
