Microsoft is starting to open up Xbox Cloud Gaming to existing Xbox game libraries today. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can now stream 50 games that they already own, including Balatro, Balder’s Gate 3, a variety of Final Fantasy titles, and Hogwarts Legacy, The Verge reported.
The expansion to 50 or more games is just the beginning of opening up the Xbox game library to cloud streaming. “Our library of cloud-playable titles will continue to grow, as we work with our parterres around the world to bring you a diverse and expansive selection of great games across devices,” says Ashley McKissick, corporate vice president of Xbox Experiences and platforms engineering.
The 60 additional games will be available through TVs, smartphones, tablets, and PCs through a web browser. Microsoft is also planning to bring Xbox library streaming to Xbox consoles and the Xbox app on Windows next year.
The original Project xCloud was supposed to launch with game library streaming in 2020, but it never did, and Microsoft then announced it would support game libraries on Xbox Cloud Gaming in 2022. That never happened either.
While thousands of games will eventually be available through Xbox Cloud Gaming, some publisher will hold certain games back due to licensing requirements.
Microsoft and Xbox reported: “Stream Your Own Game With Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta)
We are happy to announce that over 50 great games are now available for streaming. Our library of cloud-playable titles will continue to grow, as we work with our partners around the world to bring you a diverse and expansive selection of great games across devices. You can stream any version of these games below that you own, for example Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – complete Edition.
Game Pass Ultimate members can stream select cloud-playable games you own, even if they’re not included with Game Pass Ultimate, directly on various devices. This includes Samsung Smart TV’s Amazon Fire TV devices, Meta Quest headsets as well as other browser supported devices like PC’s smart phones, and tablets.
Engadget reported Microsoft has announced a long-anticipate feature for Xbox Cloud Gaming. Starting today, you’ll be able to stream select games that you own on TVs and Meta Quest VR headsets, as well as supported browsers on phones, tablets and PCs in every country where Xbox Cloud Gaming is available.
Microsoft plans to expand the feature to Xbox consoles and the Windows Xbox app next year.
You’ll still need to be an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate member to use this feature, but it means that you’re no longer limited to streaming only the games that are on that service. The “stream your own game” option include support for 50 titles at the outset, with more to be added later.
In my opinion, as a gamer, I think Microsoft and Xbox will provide a lot more gaming content than ever before.