Microsoft is reportedly working on a new feature for Xbox Cloud Gaming that will allow players to stream any game they own, not just titles from the limited Xbox Game Pass library.
Xbox Cloud Gaming to Allow Streaming of Owned Games
Reportedly Coming This November
Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft’s cloud streaming service, is reportedly on the verge of a significant upgrade: the ability to stream games you already own, not just those included in Xbox Game Pass. This update, reported to roll out this November, is part of a broader effort to expand Xbox Cloud Gaming’s capabilities, a move being referred to internally as "Project Lapland."
To those unaware, Xbox Cloud Gaming allows gamers to play Xbox games on any device without needing an Xbox console. Currently, Xbox Cloud Gaming limits players to a curated selection of hundreds of games available via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. However, as reported by The Verge, with this upcoming update, gamers will no longer be restricted to solely streaming games in this library; they’ll be able to stream any game they own digitally. This feature applies to Xbox games purchased from the Microsoft Store.
This update coincides with Microsoft’s recent announcement that Xbox games will soon be available for purchase directly through the Xbox App on Android devices in the US. "The court’s ruling to open up Google’s mobile store in the US will allow more choice and flexibility," wrote Sarah Bond, president of Microsoft’s Xbox gaming business, on Twitter (X) back in October 11. "Our mission is to allow more players to play on more devices so we are thrilled to share that starting in November, players will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly from the Xbox App on Android."
However, according to The Verge, it is important to note that some publishers may choose to withhold specific games from being streamed "due to licensing requirements or deals." Moreover, the public rollout of this feature will reportedly begin with testing through the Xbox Insider Programme. This testing phase will likely help Microsoft iron out any issues before the feature becomes widely available to all users.
Project Lapland can be traced back to 2019 when Microsoft first unveiled Project xCloud, the precursor to Xbox Cloud Gaming. While xCloud offered game streaming capabilities, the ability to stream your digitally-owned games wasn’t part of the initial offering. However, it appears that Microsoft had plans to expand xCloud's functionality from the outset and wanted to make this known. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer even responded to a random player on Xbox chat in February of this year, confirming that the ability to play owned games on xCloud was in the works. "[The update] should be [releasing] this year," Spencer stated.
Microsoft has been the exception when it comes to in-app game purchases on Android, unlike competitors like Steam or the PlayStation Store, which have allowed mobile game purchases for years. The reason for this delay remains unclear. However, Microsoft is also working on a web-based mobile Xbox store, which was originally slated for release in July 2024. This browser-based store will focus on selling first-party mobile games, in-game items, and promotional deals. Microsoft mentioned to The Verge in August 2024 that the testing for this store is "progressing well," but the official launch date has yet to be determined.
Source:
The Verge | Xbox Cloud Gaming will let you stream your own games in November
The Verge | Where is the Xbox mobile store?
Sarah Bond Announcing at Bloomberg Tech That the Company will Launch its own Mobile Game Store
Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer Said Owned Games will be Playable on Xbox Cloud Gaming in 2024
Xbox Wire | X019: Expanding Project xCloud with More Games, More Ways to Play, and More Players
