Head of Xbox Phil Spencer has been talking to Stratechery about the potential of Microsoft introducing Cloud Gaming streaming sticks, as well as potentially bundling something like this with Xbox Game Pass (via The Verge).
Spencer noted to the outlet that lower priced hardware will likely become part of the Xbox ecosystem moving forward, allowing players to stream games to their TV without being forced to purchase a console:
“I think you’re going to see lower priced hardware as part of our ecosystem when you think about streaming sticks and other things that somebody might want to just go plug into their TV and go play via xCloud. You could imagine us even having something that we just included in the Game Pass subscription that gave you an ability to stream xCloud games to your television and buying the controller.”
In addition to this, Spencer reportedly teased the potential of an “Xbox Game Pass Platinum” tier being added to the service in the future, providing guaranteed access to new Xbox hardware.
Microsoft's desire to bring xCloud streaming to as many gamers as possible over the coming years certainly makes sense, but is it something you'd be interested in? Let us know in the comments below.
[source stratechery.com, via theverge.com]
Comments 16
Called it with my chromecast dongle comment earlier! Makes total sense from a cloud gaming perspective & is super friendly for consumers
I don't think I will use it in the near future, but its definitly something which helps increasing the GamePass-Subs for a large number
Stick and controller bundle for TVs makes a lot of sense now.
Nice idea re stick, I'd get one.
intrigued by platinum level!
This is evolution of gaming.
In the future it will fast internet for everyone, series x type power server blades used and an app on your tv and a controller just to purchase. Maybe by the end of this generation we shall see.
The only problem I see like in the U.K. is the extremely slow and missed managed roll out of fast internet. I live a built area with 6mb max a second, it’s a joke.
Well that would basically kill what is left of Stadia, I wouldn't have much use for it personally but its a great way to expand the audience even further
Though there are already a number of ways to do this now, I'd buy an "official" Xcloud stick in a heartbeat! Would be perfect for me personally
That's how I see Xbox eventually transitioning from a product to a service - they could easily dominate that space if they got the timing and implementation right.
@Dezzy70 I would say it probably takes a decade before super fast internet is widespread enough for this stuff.
Well, basically, the "Platinum" formula is surely going to be equivalent to the "All-Acces"s offering. That's a 35 bucks per months to keep you up to date, hardware speaking.
And if we do the maths, that could mean that an updated Series X will come in two years, or around that. Cause the All Access offering is a 24 months contract...
So let's flash-forward. Let's say in two years, I've finished to pay my Series X. So my payment will now be 13 bucks per months (just for the Gamepass ultimate) vs the 35, more or less, that I've been paiying for the past two years.
And just now, Microsoft says to me : "Or... you could continue to pay 35 bucks and get this brand new piece of hardware ! What do you say ?"
Personnaly, I'd say "Okay !".
That's what I would say.
The stick makes sense long-term. Samsung TVs will be coming with the app pre-installed and enough tech inside to just stream directly to the TV... would the stick be better than that? It would it be fit those with incompatible TVs to just stream directly? Also resolution is an issue at the moment but with them upgrading to series x blades in the future that might get resolved? I would still prefer to play on the system but now a stick as a second unit to make my other tv a backup without the need to move the X would be a great option. Also easy enough to bring to a friend's house and plug n play.
@Xiovanni i an still seeing 12 month cards at every store I go to, pick them up if you want them. You can always buy games and they just kinda saved EB Games (GameStop)....soo what's the issue? There will be plenty of options for both physical and digital fans just like music and movies. Streaming is the future of everything it seems...fast enough internet and we will be streaming food vs actually eating.
@Xiovanni I still can't tell what's up with the Gold thing. Even Amazon still sells digital 12mo cards at the same old price. That's digital, not physical cards, meaning they're still generating new 12mo keys. I'm not sure if they're going to eventually suspend that as well, or if the change was only for the auto-renews through the Microsoft store and not the 12 month cards. Considering the whole point of buying the 12 month cards is they go on sale for less than $60 at retailers, as well, maybe there's no real change?
It's either a pending change for future, or the change only affects direct auto-renews and not retail code purchases, including digital retail.
That said, Gold never seems to go on sale anymore, instead it's always a 3-month GP Ultimate card that goes on sale.
The guaranteed access to new Xbox hardware is a joke, seeing how they can't guarantee access to the Series X now.
100% would use this. Have it in multiple rooms without moving my box around. Great idea.
👀Platinum tier you say???👀
This is smart- get people who can’t afford a new console, people who may become casual gamers, or even people who don’t normally buy Microsoft products.
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