Xbox Cloud Gamingis Microsoft’s video game streaming service which utilizes Microsoft Cloud technology to stream a game directly to a player’s compatible device of choice without the need for an Xbox console to download or run the game. The service was launched properly in September 2020 and is now included as part of anXbox Game PassUltimate subscription.
Currently, Xbox Cloud Gaming is limited to only streaming the cloud enabled games that are included as part ofXbox’s Game Pass library. However, the listings for some non-Game Pass games on the Xbox Games Store suggest that this may soon change.
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Microsoft had already confirmed its interest in expanding the Xbox Cloud Gaming service to include games that players had bought through the Xbox Game Store and which were not part of Xbox Game Pass, and it did suggest that this could be implemented later this year. But as was recently spotted by a Twitter user named Knoebelbroet, Cloud Gaming beta information has already begun appearing in the descriptions for certain games on the Xbox Game Store likeElden RingandGTA 5, along with prompts tostream the games using Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Despite this prompt, however, it still isn’t possible to stream these non-Game Pass games as attempting to launch them through the Xbox Cloud Gaming service will result in an error message. This would indicate that this Cloud Gaming information is either a mistake or it has appeared too early in these particular game descriptions. Perhaps an official announcement from Xbox was meant to happen before these games were made available to stream.
An announcement like this may be scheduled for anXbox showcase at Gamescom in late August 2022, but it could also be moved forward now that players have taken notice of the various non-Game Pass games with Cloud Gaming beta logos appearing in their game descriptions. A Twitter user replying to Knoebelbroet’s tweet has shared screenshots of a few other non-Game Pass games which they could unsuccessfully attempt to launch using Xbox Cloud Gaming, includingRed Dead Redemption 2,The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, andMetal Gear Solid HD Edition.
Xbox clearly doesn’t plan on being left behind when it comes to the video game streaming market, as the company recently revealed a sweeping range ofimprovements to both Xbox Cloud Gaming and Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft has also announced it is partnering with Kojima Productions to produce a new game which will supposedly take full advantage of the Xbox Cloud Gaming service as part of its design.
MORE:How Kojima Could Leverage Xbox Cloud Gaming for a Unique Game
