Microsoft Is Building An Online Streaming Service That Is Similar To Netflix For Xbox Games

Microsoft is working on a Netflix-style streaming service for video games. It promises to deliver 'console-quality gameplay to any device'.

The Redmond-based company claims players will be capable of streaming blockbuster movies to their Xbox, laptop or smartphone.

It is unclear if users will be required to pay for games individually or whether they will be able to access the entire library for a monthly cost, such as video on-demand.

Microsoft doesn't believe streaming will completely replace dedicated consoles However, the company teased that new Xbox hardware was in the development.

Microsoft is creating a Netflix-style streaming video game service that will bring console-quality gaming to all devices. Microsoft also revealed 50 new games for fans during its E3 presentation - which is a record for the Redmond-based company

Xbox boss Phil Spencer also teased the new video game streaming service, which Spencer claims will be able to unlock console-quality gaming on any device'

Executive President of Gaming Phil Spencer revealed Microsoft's plans to develop a cloud-based service during its press conference at the video game Expo E3 in Los Angeles.

Spencer said that: "Our cloud engineers are developing a gaming streaming network for console-quality gaming across all devices.

"We are committed to improving your experience everywhere you want to play on - your Xbox or PC, as well as your smartphone.'

Cloud Gaming is a way for players to gain access to a vast library of titles without having to download or install every one.

Cloud gaming allows console-quality games to run on less powerful devices like smartphones. All the heavy lifting happens on a server , not on the device used by the player.

This is quite different from traditional video console games, which have to process everything on the disc locally and therefore require powerful chipsets and fan systems.

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Xbox boss Spencer didn't reveal the date of launch for the service during his presentation, but Spencer has teased previously that Microsoft's game streaming service could be available in 2020.

The company isn't the only one with an interest in streaming games. Rival PlayStation also offers the option of streaming games to your devices.

Dubbed PlayStation Now, the subscription service costs PS12.99 ($20) per month. It lets users stream more than 500 titles to their Sony PS4 or Windows PC.

After it acquired rival services Gaikai, OnLive, and Sony, Sony launched its cloud gaming platform.

Microsoft hasn't stopped its hardware plans, despite its primary focus being on videogame streaming.

It is not clear if users will be required to pay for individual titles or if they will be able access the entire library for a flat monthly fee, similar to Netflix.

But despite hinting at streaming services, Microsoft revealed plans to continue building Xbox hardware with new consoles already in the pipeline

Xbox boss Phil Spencer remained tight-lipped on any specifics about the forthcoming console, however, the executive did reveal that backwards-compatibility with older video games would play significant role for the new hardware

Phil Spencer used the E3 keynote to announce the sequel to the Xbox One, with hints that Microsoft could have multiple new consoles in the works.

The same team that delivered an unprecedented performance with Xbox One X is currently deep into the design of the next Xbox consoles, and we will once again fulfill our promise to set the bar for console gaming,' he said. Minecraft Skins

Spencer remained tight-lipped on any specifics about the console, however, the executive did reveal that backwards-compatibility with Xbox One games would play significant role for the new hardware.

He told Eurogamer: "As you think about this next wave of hardware that eventually will arrive, many of the massive, huge games that people play currently will exist when the next hardware is released.

There isn't the number "2" in the final game of these games because they are trying to get you to the next version. In the older model of games being shipped playing and going away the console switch was a simple step-function.

"We played through it in Minecraft. We didn't ship Minecraft 2 on Xbox One to try to force everyone to switch to the next console because that's not what Minecraft users are looking for. They want Minecraft to improve.

When you think about games like PUBG and Fortnite and think about these massive games and ecosystems that will be available, once new hardware arrives, people will continue to want to play those games and it's going be crucial for us as platforms to support them.'

Microsoft unveiled a new entry in its wildly popular Halo series called Halo Infinite, which will be exclusive to Xbox consoles

Additionally, Microsoft showcased a record 50 new games to gamers during its E3 presentation.

The company released a variety of exclusive titles, including fresh entries to its Halo and Gears of War series.

Spencer has described the new games on the list as the company's 'most diverse gaming portfolio ever'.