Microsoft announced Monday that it would begin public trials of Project xCloud. The new system will allow users the ability to stream popular Xbox games on their smartphones. The offering is open to users in the U.S., South Korea, and the U.K.
Designed initially for Android users only, the service will stream Gears 5, Halo 5: Guardians, Killer Instinct, and Sea of Thieves. Only a small number of participants will be chosen initially, but the game is predicted to grow rapidly.
Limited Hardware, Same Experience
The service is designed to allow users to play games with limited hardware requirements. Users only need to have a device (with Android 6.0 or higher), a Microsoft account, and a Bluetooth Xbox One wireless controller. The features allow the company to offer gamers the same experience as a console play, but without the complexity of hardware. Further, gamers can now play these extremely popular games on the go without the difficulty of being tied to a location. Microsoft is moving toward a wireless gaming experience, as console sales continue to decline. Companies are discovering that gamers are seeking more of a digital experience, particularly as the hardware for personal devices continues to improve.
The Future of Gaming?
The new Project xCloud will not compete with the company’s existing Xbox Live—its Game Pass digital gaming world. The current system requires a console, but allows gamers to interact online. The future, according to Microsoft would be to potentially combine these two features, allowing gamers to play the most popular games, but without hardware restrictions. The race to develop the most popular and useful hardware-free gaming system continues to heat up. Google is already working toward a cloud-based gaming system called Stadia, and other companies are seeking similar solutions. Think Microsoft will win the race for digital gaming systems, or will other companies develop better solutions faster? Let us know in the comments below!Images are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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