Xbox TV? On a Chromecast? In your browser? They’re all on the way, Microsoft says, via the power of the Cloud.
Today, in a post on Xbox Wire, Microsoft announced a slew of ways players will soon be able to play Xbox games without a console. In the near future, players will be able to stream Xbox games on smart TVs, Roku-like smart devices and through their browser “on almost any device.”
This continues the trajectory Microsoft established with the launch of the Xbox Series X. From the launch of its new consoles, the company has provided high-end and low-end options for playing games. Going forward, the suite of options will expand significantly.
“We believe that Microsoft can play a leading role in democratizing gaming and defining the future of interactive entertainment,” said Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
A few years ago, Google Stadia positioned itself as a similar option, an inexpensive, accessible option that didn’t require expensive hardware. But, Stadia has struggled since launch, due to an ill-considered a la carte business model and a lack of exclusive releases. The latter problem is unlikely to improve: earlier this year, Google disbanded internal development.
Xbox TV Does What Stadon’t
In this Xbox Wire post, Microsoft outlines a few reasons it’s in a better position to succeed.
“There are really three key areas where we believe we have an incredible competitive advantage: First, our leadership in cloud computing. Second, the resources we have to build our subscription service, Xbox Game Pass. And third, our overall focus on empowering creators,” Nadella said.
With over 100 games, including dozens from the Xbox, EA and Bethesda back catalogues, Game Pass is, indeed, a behemoth. A behemoth that Xbox’s cloud computing will soon allow to stomp into every home with a Wi-fi connection.
Xbox hasn’t given a timeline for the launch of its smart TVs or streaming devices. But, Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will be able to play in their browser within the next few weeks.
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