Microsoft Is Developing An Online Streaming Service That Is Similar To Netflix For Xbox Games
Microsoft is developing an online streaming service similar to Netflix for video games. It promises to bring 'console-quality gaming to any device'.
The Redmond-based company claims that gamers will be able to stream blockbuster films to their Xbox laptop, desktop, or smartphone.
It's unclear whether players will need to pay for individual games, or be allowed to access the entire library for a monthly cost similar to video on demand services.
Microsoft doesn't believe streaming will replace dedicated consoles in the end however, the company did announce that new Xbox hardware was in the development.
Microsoft is building an online streaming service similar to Netflix for video games that promises to bring console-quality gaming to any device'. During its E3 presentation, Microsoft revealed 50 new games to gamers - a record for the Redmond-based company.
Xbox boss Phil Spencer also teased the coming video game streaming service, which Spencer claims will be able to 'unlock console-quality gaming on any device'
Microsoft's Executive Vice President of Gaming Phil Spencer spoke at the E3 press conference in Los Angeles to reveal its plans to develop cloud-based service.
Spencer said that: "Our cloud engineers are creating a game streaming network to stream console-quality gaming across all devices.
We are committed to enhancing your experience wherever you want to play - on your Xbox, your PC and your smartphone.'
This approach, known as Cloud Gaming, allows players to access a huge library of games without having to download or install each game.
Cloud gaming can allow console-quality video games to run on less powerful devices, such as smartphones, as all of the heavy lifting is handled by servers, not the device that is used by the player.
This is quite different from traditional video console games, which need to process all data on the disc locally, and consequently 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 he has previously teased that Microsoft's game streaming service could be launched prior to 2020.
The company is not the only one to have shown an interest in a streaming service for games, with the rival PlayStation already offering gamers the option of streaming games to their devices. MINECRAFT KITPVP SERVERS
It's dubbed PlayStation Now, the subscription service costs PS12.99 ($20) per month. It allows users to 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.
But despite its focus on streaming video games, Microsoft has not abandoned its hardware plans.
It is not clear if users will need to pay for individual titles or if they will be able access the entire library for a single monthly charge, similar to Netflix.
But despite teasing a streaming service, Microsoft revealed plans to continue building Xbox hardware, with new 'consoles' already in the works
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 as a teaser for the Xbox One's follow-up and also hinted that Microsoft could have a variety of new consoles in the works.
He said that the same team that produced unparalleled performance with Xbox One X was deep in the process of designing the next Xbox consoles. This will allow them to once again fulfill their commitment to console gaming.
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. MINECRAFT KITPVP SERVERS
He told Eurogamer: 'As you think about the next generation of hardware that is going to arrive, many of the massive, huge games people are playing today will continue to exist when the next hardware is released.
There isn't a "2" in the middle of these games because they are trying to get you to the next version. In the old model of games shipping - getting played and then moving away switching consoles was a simple function to perform.
"We played through it in Minecraft. We didn't release Minecraft 2 on Xbox One to try to compel everybody to move to the next console, because that's not what Minecraft users would like to see. They want Minecraft to get better.
"When you think of games like Fortnite or PUBG, you think about the vast ecosystems and games that are coming out when new hardware comes out the players will continue to play these games, and it's important for us to support these games.
Microsoft has unveiled Halo Infinite, a new installment in its popular Halo series. It will be available on Xbox-branded consoles.
Elsewhere, Microsoft showcased a record 50 brand new games to its fans during its E3 presentation.
The company ripped the wraps off a variety of exclusive titles, including brand new entries in its Halo and Gears of War series.
Spencer identified the new games on the list as the most diverse gaming portfolio ever'.