As part of its streaming service, the internet giant is testing out free-to-play games.
More than 10 million individuals across the globe have used Xbox Cloud Gaming since it started two years ago. The agreement between Microsoft and Epic Games, which will allow Xbox Cloud Gaming users to play Epic’s smash hit Fortnite for free, will undoubtedly lead to an increase in that number. If the change goes through, gamers of all skill levels will be able to play Fortnite in a similar fashion to how they stream media from businesses like Netflix.
For the first time, Microsoft claims that this agreement covers both paying subscribers and non-paying players. Even if both Apple and Google have blocked Fortnite from their respective app stores, gamers will be able to play on an iPhone or iPad or a device powered by Google’s Android OS.
When it comes to free-to-play games, Microsoft says “this is only the beginning.” The company says it will learn from the experience, use the input it receives, and eventually deliver additional titles to players through the cloud. There will be no charge for this service in 26 countries including the United States, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, and other East and Southeast Asian nations.
With Xbox Cloud Gaming, you can play Forza Horizon 5 on a Valve Steam Deck.
If you want to play Fortnite for free using Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming service, you’ll have to pay for it. Video game streaming has been on the horizon for more than a decade, promising to revolutionise the industry by allowing players to enjoy graphically demanding games on their mobile devices without the need for a powerful computer. Companies from start-ups to behemoths like Google have failed to achieve the quality they offer or create long-term economic models that match the promise.
Game streaming has been hailed as an important new method for gamers to enjoy their favourite games, but Microsoft’s Xbox team is cautiously optimistic about its rapid adoption. Companies like Google and Amazon have invested in virtual reality technology to compete with established consoles like the Xbox and PlayStation and Nintendo’s Switch, despite its lack of mainstream appeal.
Nvidia has also joined into the battle, with its GeForce Now subscription service allowing game streaming. Earlier this year, the business said that it will be launching a version of Fortnite with touch controllers on its service.
“Free-to-play” streaming service Microsoft has promised to introduce additional games, especially for mobile devices. There are presently more than 150 touchscreen-friendly streaming games available for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate customers, who pay $15 per month for access to hundreds of titles for download and streaming. According to Microsoft, 20 percent of Xbox Gaming customers have only played on touch so far.