Microsoft announced a large expansion to the Xbox Project xCloud cloud gaming platform, adding 50 games to its available library from 25 parters. Titles include notable games such as Madden NFL 20, Devil May Cry 5, Tekken 7, all in addition to the earlier released Forza Horizon 4, but Microsoft intends to add more games over time, including the entire Xbox library.
Project xCloud
Earlier this year Microsoft began its foray into the game streaming service with their Xbox Project xCloud. Project xCloud is a cloud gaming platform that allows access to Xbox games on any screen. Project xCloud is faced with many challenges, as streaming games designed for controller use onto a phone screen is no easy task.
Some months ago Microsoft began developing infrastructure, with a goal to be able to stream over 3,500 games, including the entire Xbox library from every generation. Yes, every generation, spanning games from the Xbox, Xbox 360, and the Xbox One.
Microsoft finally began a closed beta for Project xCloud, allowing a few select users to try the Project xCloud Preview. While available titles are limited, this allows Microsoft to gain insight on Xbox One Bluetooth controller compatibility, mobile network performance, and overall playability.
X019
During X019, Microsoft's annual Xbox event, Microsoft released an update to the Project xCloud gaming platform service including the massive expansion to the xCloud Preview Library, an addition of 50 titles to their original five titles, as well as features to expect next year. The X019 blog post also reveals details on an expansion of the preview to Windows PC and other devices. A notable surprise is that the xCloud platform will support not only the Xbox One Bluetooth controller but the Dualshock 4 and Razer gamepads as well.
Microsoft also intends to bring the xCloud Preview to more markets, expanding in 2020 in Canada, India, Japan, and Western Europe.
The Competition
Google Stadia
Google Stadia continues to be the most notable among the current cloud gaming platform, and for a good reason. Announced just last October, Google Stadia made waves with their unique technological improvements such as "negative latency", where Stadia predicts what the user is going to do before the user does so. Stadia launches next week on Nov. 19, and early adopters who purchased the $130 Founders Edition Package will be able to play 12 of 44 game line up.
Playstation Now
While Stadia and xCloud make headlines for developments in their technology, Playstation Now expands their already amazing library of over 800 Playstation titles, 300 of which are Playstation 4 titles. Some notable additions include Grand Theft Auto, God of War, Infamous Second Son, and Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, the last three are now also available for PS Now subscribers to stream on their PC. Lastly, Playstation Now has also cut their US subscription prices to $9.99 per month, $24.99 per quarter, or $59.99 per year. Sony has also listed on their blog new pricing options for other regions.
