In a significant move for gamers, Microsoft is gearing up to roll out the ability to stream Xbox game libraries starting next month, as reported by sources familiar with the developments. This new feature is part of a long-term initiative, internally dubbed Project Lapland, designed to enhance Xbox Cloud Gaming capabilities.
The initial testing phase will begin in November, targeting Xbox Insiders before being made available to a broader audience. This expansion promises to include thousands of games that players own, enhancing accessibility beyond the current Xbox Game Pass library. Xbox president Sarah Bond recently emphasized this advancement, stating that players will soon be able to purchase and stream games directly from the Xbox App on their Android devices. This change comes on the heels of a recent court ruling that enables Microsoft to facilitate game purchases without relying on Google Play Billing, set to take effect on November 1st.
The aspirations of Project xCloud, Microsoft’s earlier framework for game streaming, included this gaming library streaming feature back in 2020. Although initially projected for a 2022 launch, resources were redirected, focusing on the complex infrastructure required to support a substantial number of titles rather than the limited selections present on Xbox Game Pass. Although Microsoft anticipates a library hosting thousands of games, there will be limitations; certain publishers may withhold games from streaming due to existing licensing agreements or contracts.
Additionally, Microsoft is working on a browser-based Xbox mobile store, originally slated for a July launch. This store is being designed to include promotional deals and in-game purchases, with future plans to expand into first-party titles as well. The company indicated that testing has begun and is progressing well, promising more updates in due course.
As Microsoft makes strides towards enhancing the user experience on their gaming platform, gamers stand to benefit from a more flexible and comprehensive approach to game access. This latest initiative reflects Microsoft’s commitment to reshape gaming as they continue to explore innovative strategies in the competitive landscape of technology and gaming. Subscribe to Notepad by Tom Warren for ongoing insights into Microsoft’s strategic endeavors, particularly in AI and gaming, to stay informed on the developments that shape the future of entertainment.