Xbox Aims To Be Number One

It’s been an eventful past week or so at Xbox. So, where do we begin? Well, let’s start with the fact that it’s obvious that Microsoft want Xbox to be the number one platform for cloud. That’s why they’re stopping the majority of their advertisements for console hardware. Effectively, what is happening is that they’re moving towards a more cloud-based future that utilizes Game Pass Ultimate in the biggest way possible.

Is it a risk? No, because this is what Microsoft has been building up to all along. We’re now just really starting to see them take it seriously. In the next few years, I believe Xbox Cloud Gaming will become the new platform that all their attention will go to. I also believe things that have been promised for years, such as up to 4K streaming and playing your paid-for games, will all be possible.

As I said in an earlier article, Xbox is now taking great steps forward to be the number one platform when it comes to cloud gaming. Unlike console hardware, this is actually something they can actually win. Because the competition doesn’t have anything that quite matches Game Pass Ultimate. Not only that, but with Google Stadia out of the equation, it’s very much there for Microsoft to build upon.

I’ve been playing Xbox Cloud Gaming recently, and to be honest, it works well enough. Not perfect, but I think the next step up for cloud gaming happens under Microsoft.

A lot of people have also been really upset about the Game Pass price rises across the board. But like with anything, this is going to be a cost-offset that improves Cloud Gaming and the Game Pass catalogue going forward. I truly believe that. Some might not like that, but you don’t get anything for free nowadays. Our money is going to be used to improve all aspects of the service. Not only for the addition of Call of Duty that some would choose to believe. There is a much bigger picture here that we have to consider.

Do I like price rises? No, of course not. But it’s not like Microsoft is the only one. PlayStation did it about 12 months ago. In fact, a vast proportion of the industry is doing it. These are businesses that want money, just like any other industry.

Of course, the proof will be in the pudding. How quickly can Microsoft now improve Xbox Cloud Gaming (it’s still in beta) after all? Everything is pointing to a huge improvement when the next console hardware comes along. The next generation of of Xbox is going to be hardware that is very cloud-focused. We’ve already had Sarah Bond tell us that it’s going to be the most compelling graphical upgrade for some time.

Do not be surprised at all, if the improvements start to come very quickly up until that launches. I think Microsoft are building up a new platform for players everywhere. Cloud is a big part of that plan and so is Game Pass. Ultimately, though, it’s something that they themselves will want to get over the line. To position yourself as the best in cloud gaming would be a big deal for Microsoft. PlayStation, for example, only allows you to stream through PlayStation Plus Premium at the moment.

I actually think the expansion of cloud gaming is good for the industry. In the sense that, it’s another option and way of playing. Will it replace consoles? No, not for a long time, but what we do know is that this is the start of building an entirely new platform for Xbox. Microsoft wants you to have the same experience with cloud gaming as you do on your Xbox console. From what I’ve experienced, it’s a good start with that core experience, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement. I think that work has already begun behind the scenes.