Microsoft is set to enhance Xbox Cloud Gaming by allowing access to games purchased from the Xbox Store, launching on November 20, 2024. This update expands beyond the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate catalog, enabling players to enjoy titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Final Fantasy XIV Online through cloud gaming. Currently, about fifty games will be available, with plans for broader access via the Xbox app for Windows and consoles in 2025.
Microsoft’s Groundbreaking Update to Xbox Cloud Gaming
Microsoft has fulfilled its promise! Back in 2019, the tech giant revealed plans to enable cloud access for games purchased on the Xbox Store. After facing challenges during the COVID pandemic, this much-anticipated feature is set to launch on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, marking a significant advancement in Xbox Cloud Gaming.
What’s New in Xbox Cloud Gaming?
Previously, the catalog of Xbox Cloud Gaming was exclusively tied to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Subscribers enjoyed access to cloud gaming servers along with the games featured in the catalog. This approach allowed gamers to explore the Xbox ecosystem without needing a console or high-end gaming PC, which aligns seamlessly with the evolving identity of Xbox.
However, there was a limitation: if a game was removed from the catalog, players lost access even if they had purchased it. This model mirrored services like Netflix, where content frequently rotates, preventing players from truly “owning” their games.
Now, Microsoft is broadening its cloud gaming service to include games outside the Xbox Game Pass catalog. To play these titles, players will need to have purchased them from the Xbox Store.
While a subscription to Game Pass Ultimate is still required to access cloud gaming servers for the time being, there is speculation about a potential new subscription tier that might offer standalone access to Xbox Cloud Gaming without the Game Pass Ultimate perks in the future.
A Diverse Selection of Games Now Available
It’s important to note that not every game on the Xbox Store will be available through Xbox Cloud Gaming right away. Currently, around fifty games are included in the service.
This new selection features major titles that aren’t part of the Xbox Game Pass, such as Cyberpunk 2077, Baldur’s Gate 3, Hogwarts Legacy, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, and Final Fantasy XIV Online.
Specifically for Final Fantasy XIV Online, both the paid version and the free trial will be accessible, marking the first time this acclaimed MMORPG by Square Enix is offered on a cloud gaming platform. While World of Warcraft, another popular MMORPG now under Microsoft’s umbrella, remains exclusive to PC and is unavailable on Xbox, Final Fantasy XIV Online’s arrival on the cloud gaming service is a significant competitive move. Additionally, a mobile version is in development by Tencent, potentially drawing in a larger player base.
How to Access Xbox Cloud Gaming
The updated Xbox Cloud Gaming service is currently accessible via web browsers, including Apple Safari, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge. It is also available on Samsung TVs, Amazon Fire TV devices, and Meta Quest 2, 3, and Pro VR headsets.
Looking ahead, this feature is expected to roll out on the Xbox app for Windows and Xbox consoles starting in 2025. This will allow gamers to enjoy titles without the hassle of downloading and installing them, enhancing the overall gaming experience.