Xbox cloud gaming feature is under development, according to the CEO!
It's been a long time coming, but Xbox Cloud Gaming is finally gearing up to let users stream their own games sometime this year, as per Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer.
This feature has been on the wishlist of streaming enthusiasts since the early days of the service, even back when it was known as xCloud.
The anticipation for this feature dates back to November 2019, during X019 in London, just a month after Project xCloud went into public beta in select regions. At the event, Microsoft announced that users would eventually be able to stream both Game Pass titles and "Xbox games that they already own or will purchase," with a projected launch in 2020. However, due to various factors, including the global pandemic, the rollout didn't quite materialize as initially planned. Instead, the focus remained on streaming Game Pass titles, with later support added for games like Fortnite.
While Microsoft hasn't made any official announcements regarding the feature, a recent chat exchange between Xbox Gaming CEO Phil Spencer and a curious fan hinted at the possibility of streaming purchased games becoming available "sometime in 2024." Though Spencer didn't provide further details, it's likely that accessing one's personal library via Xbox Cloud Gaming will require an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership, as per previous indications.
The global pandemic might have hindered progress, but it likely wasn't the sole cause of the four-year delay in adding the requested feature. Microsoft's cloud gaming plans faced heightened regulatory scrutiny following the 2022 agreement to acquire Activision Blizzard, potentially impacting the company's cautious approach in this area.
Before Microsoft can allow users to stream their own game libraries, they must navigate complex legal hurdles, including securing licensing agreements with third-party publishers. This process is essential for ensuring that users have access to the games they own or purchase. Platforms like GeForce NOW continually add new games as agreements are reached, rather than immediately offering access to users' existing libraries.
The absence of any announcement regarding this feature on the February 15 episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, which focused on Microsoft's gaming strategy, suggests that streaming one's own games via Xbox Cloud Gaming may still be a few months away. This delay could be attributed to ongoing legal negotiations and technical considerations.