Microsoft's Ambitious Vision: Turning Every Screen into an Xbox
Microsoft's push to transform every screen into an Xbox is an ambitious project spearheaded by Xbox Cloud Gaming. This effort began with the introduction of cloud gaming capabilities, aiming to allow users to stream Xbox games directly to various devices. The goal is to provide seamless gaming experiences, cutting out the need for a traditional gaming console. Launched to reduce the barriers to entry, this innovative approach promises to bring Xbox gaming to a broader audience by utilizing technology and the widespread availability of smart devices.
Challenges of Latency
One of the main issues faced by Microsoft's cloud gaming is latency. Video games require near-instantaneous feedback, and even a slight delay can significantly disrupt gameplay. A delay of more than half a second can render games unplayable, even for casual players. Experiments with Xbox Cloud Gaming through various devices, such as the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, have highlighted this challenge.
During gameplay tests, while some games, like "Donut County," were manageable with acceptable delays, action-heavy titles like "Starfield" suffered from noticeable input lag. This delay was apparent when attempting precise maneuvers during combat, making it feel as if the character control was delayed, likened to operating a marionette under pressure.
Overcoming Technological Hurdles
To address latency, solutions such as directly connecting a gaming controller to Wi-Fi rather than Bluetooth are under consideration. Reducing steps between input devices and the cloud can help minimize delays. Google's Stadia previously attempted a similar approach, and Microsoft may follow suit. However, until faster connection solutions become commonplace, cloud gaming may not replace the need for local consoles for more demanding games.
Xbox Game Pass and the Windows Ecosystem
Another strategic move by Microsoft to encourage the adoption of Xbox Cloud Gaming is the Xbox Game Pass. This subscription service offers players a vast library of games for a monthly fee, making it attractive to PC gamers who might otherwise purchase games from other platforms like Steam or Epic.
Despite Microsoft's ownership of Windows, the PC gaming market is largely dominated by Valve's Steam. However, Xbox Game Pass is revolutionizing purchasing habits by incentivizing players to explore the Xbox Store. As of now, the Xbox Game Pass has amassed over 34 million subscribers, potentially surpassing the number of Xbox Series X/S units sold.
Conclusion
While Microsoft's innovative approach to gaming is impressive, there are significant technical challenges that remain to be addressed. Advanced solutions like Wi-Fi-connected controllers could mitigate latency issues, yet the need for localized gaming solutions persists. By integrating services like Xbox Game Pass into their offering, Microsoft aims to strengthen its position in both the console and PC gaming markets, striving to make every screen an Xbox in its own right.
This was originally reported on by Wired.