Microsoft has announced that Project xCloud, its device-agnostic game-streaming service, will be included in Ultimate Game Pass for free from September 15.
In a blog post on Microsoft’s website, Kareem Choudhry, Corporate Vice President, Project xCloud at Microsoft, said: “Last month we laid out our commitment to you and announced cloud gaming, powered by Project xCloud, will be part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at no additional cost. Today we’re excited to share more about what you can expect. Beginning 15 September, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can play more than 100 games from the cloud on their Android phone or tablet. Cloud gaming will launch in beta for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members in 22 markets to ensure stability as we scale the feature to millions of gamers.”
Choudhry confirmed that those cloud-playable games will include Minecraft Dungeons, Destiny 2, Tell Me Why, Gears 5 and Yakuza Kiwami 2, and added: “As we’ve committed to providing day-one access to new titles from Xbox Game Studios as part of Xbox Game Pass, it’s our intent to make those same games available in the cloud from the day they release.”
Choudhry also went into some detail about new cross-platform gaming experiences that Project xCloud will enable: “You can continue your Gears 5 campaign while traveling away from your home console, or if a sibling or roommate is using the TV you can still complete strikes with friends in Destiny 2. Cloud gaming also unlocks new couch co-op experiences with traditional online games. Sail off to adventure in Sea of Thieves on your tablet while a friend plays alongside you on console, right in the same room.”
Choudhry’s announcement pointedly referred only to Android devices – at its September 15 launch, it seems, Project xCloud won’t operate on Apple devices running iOS. Which is not unexpected: when Project xCloud went into beta, it started on Android devices, although support for iOS devices was eventually added. Microsoft clearly intends to extend it to Apple devices at some point, however.
In the meantime, Microsoft also detailed a raft of mobile gaming accessories designed to work with Project xCloud-streamed games, from the likes of Razer, PowerA, 8BitDo, and Nacon. Choudhry added: “You can also play with your Xbox One Bluetooth Wireless and PlayStation DualShock 4 controllers.”
Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is currently available for £1 for the first month, rising to £10.99 per month after that. Choudhry took pains to assert that: “We’ll also continue to listen to our community and add new features, games and perks to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate over time.”
