Project xCloud is Microsoft’s cloud gaming service and it’s launching in September.
Project xCloud leverages Microsoft’s existing data centers across the globe, literally loading up servers with the component parts of multiple Xbox One consoles. These are then used to run the games that are streamed directly to your mobile device of choice.
First announced for a public preview in the US, UK and Korea in October 2019, Project xCloud has since expanded to 11 more countries across Europe and Microsoft has announced that it will launch properly in September 2020.
On launch, it’ll be bundled free with Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions, meaning you’ll be able to play over 100 Xbox Game Pass titles on your phone or tablet as well as your console and PC.
In addition to public previews, xCloud has been beta tested by Microsoft employees for some time now and, according to Microsoft, can already stream 3,500 games from the cloud – with another 1,900 potential titles on their way.
At the moment, it’s been confirmed that Project xCloud will only be free with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate in “supported countries”. Those haven’t been specified but it seems likely that it'll be the countries that the service has previously rolled out to, which include the US, Canada, UK, Korea, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Sweden.
More countries are reportedly getting the service at a later date, following delays caused by Covid-19, with Microsoft having previously said it plans to scale out across 54 Azure regions.
With Project xCloud’s launch looming, we’ve gathered together everything we know about Microsoft’s cloud streaming service below for your perusal.
Project xCloud release date and preview
In a July 2020 Xbox Wire post, Xbox has confirmed that Project xCloud will launch in September 2020, though we don’t know exactly what date in September just yet.
The cloud streaming service will be a part of Xbox Game Pass when it launches, included in Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions for no additional charge.
This release date only applies to “supported countries” at the moment, which we believe means countries that have already had access to the preview builds of the service such as the US, Canada, UK, Korea, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Sweden.
More countries are reportedly getting the service at a later date, following delays caused by Covid-19, with Microsoft having previously said it plans to scale out across 54 Azure regions (with data centers in some 140 countries).
Project xCloud news and features
Coming to Xbox Game Pass at no additional cost
In an Xbox Wire post, Phil Spencer has confirmed that Project xCloud will be launching in September as a part of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription tier. Those who purchase a Game Pass Ultimate subscription for $14.99/£10.99 will have access to Game Pass on PC and console, Xbox Live Gold and Project xCloud.
This means you’ll be able to play all of the games on the Game Pass service on your PC, console and mobile devices. According to Spencer, “because Xbox Live connects across devices, you can play along with the nearly 100 million Xbox Live players around the world. So when Halo Infinite launches, you and your friends can play together and immerse yourselves in the Halo universe as Master Chief—anywhere you go and across devices.”
Because Xbox Live can connect across all devices, you’ll still have the option to play single-player or online multiplayer whichever device you’re using. As it’s a streaming service, Project xCloud does depend on a stable internet connection, but Microsoft has promised the it can run at 7-10mb/s.
A couple of things remain unclear at the moment with regards to xCloud’s launch—a big one being that we don’t know if Project xCloud will be limited only to games on Game Pass when it launches. We expect Microsoft to confirm more details closer to September.
iOS testing
While xCloud has been supporting Android devices running version 6.0 or greater in its previews, Microsoft is also looking at iOS devices. In February 2020 the xCloud preview was made available to a limited number of iOS users in the US, UK and Canada through the TestFlight programme. Only one game was available for test and at the moment it’s not clear if iOS devices will be supported when Project xCloud launches in September.
Exclusives?
Microsoft is apparently potentially interested in securing some exclusives for its Project xCloud streaming service.
During a roundtable at XO19, Microsoft's Kareem Choudhry said (via Stevivor) that the company is having discussions with first and third-party developers but emphasised that these talks are still in their “early stages” and Microsoft doesn't “have any announcements to share” at the moment.
If Microsoft did decide to move forward with this idea and secure strong exclusives for its streaming platform, it would certainly make the service an even more compelling proposition and stir up trouble for competitors like Google Stadia.
Preview program launches in October
For lucky gamers in the US, UK and Korea, you're already able to sign up for the preview program launching in October, although Microsoft has stated that it will be inviting a limited number of gamers to begin with and slowly expand the numbers as the program rolls on.
Four games will be playable during the preview, with more added as it progresses. This will include Halo 5: Guardians, Gears 5, Killer Instinct, and Sea of Thieves.
Gamescom 2019
European players will get hands on with Project xCloud for the first time at Gamescom 2019 but it's unlikely we'll hear more solid details on Microsoft's streaming service.
Project xCloud can already stream 3,500 games
Microsoft revealed on Xbox Wire that Project xCloud can already stream 3,500 games from the cloud with another 1,900 games potential titles on their way.
According to the company, there are a number of games that are already compatible with the service from the Xbox One, Xbox 360 and original Xbox game library. In addition, Microsoft claims that any game published on the Xbox One could be xCloud-compatible without any extra work from developers.
Streaming won't replace consoles
In a post on Xbox Wire, CVP of Gaming Cloud at Microsoft Kareem Choudhry described Project xCloud as "a vision for game-streaming technology that will complement our console hardware and give gamers more choices in how and where they play."
"We’re developing Project xCloud not as a replacement for game consoles, but as a way to provide the same choice and versatility that lovers of music and video enjoy today," says Choudhry. "We love what’s possible when a console is connected to a 4K TV with full HDR support and surround sound – that remains a fantastic way to experience console gaming."
A lot of servers
Microsoft has deployed xCloud servers to data centers across 13 Azure regions – including North America, Europe and Asia – and says that it will continue to build more centers as development continues.
Developers running tests
Microsoft says developers like Capcom and Paradox are currently running tests on the servers, and has updated its developer kit to include cloud-specific APIs. In some examples provided by Microsoft, the new developer tools allow creators to make multiplayer matches in the cloud more seamless by moving all connections to the same server, and enables games to scale font size depending on the screen you're using.
Project xCloud price
At the moment, we know Project xCloud will be launched as a part of Microsoft’s Game Pass Ultimate subscription tier, with no rise in price for the service. This means that you’ll be able to get Xbox Live Gold, PC and console Game Pass access and Project xCloud access for a monthly fee of £10.99/$14.99.
xCloud vs PS Now vs Stadia
Knowing exactly how many games we can expect when the service launches (somewhere between 3,500 and 5,400) should give some credibility to Microsoft's new game-streaming service, as should the number and locations of Microsoft's Azure servers.
Google Stadia may have released first, but its launch was held back by a pitiful lineup of games, and a pricing strategy that charges full RRP for titles on top of the monthly subscription cost.
Microsoft has already shown it knows how to populate a game subscription service, with Xbox Game Pass offering a brilliant selection of titles – and far better value for money than PS Now, despite the latter's bigger library.
We won't know for sure how xCloud lines up against the competition until it launches; however, it doesn't look like Stadia or PS Now is really standing in xCloud's way.
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