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Microsoft Developing “Netflix For Games”

Back in October, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella revealed that the computer and tech giant is currently developing a streaming service tentatively titled Project xCloud, which they’ve fondly referred to as a “Netflix for games.” Details were limited with the first reveal, but the company has let a few more tidbits out into the wild.

Project xCloud, like Netflix, will be available on a variety of devices, including consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. According to Business Insider, Microsoft “aims to establish itself as the de facto standard in video game streaming services.”

Microsoft’s plan is to lower the barrier to entry with this new streaming service, by simply not requiring anyone to have a specific console or device in order to play a game. Theoretically speaking, the service can be run on any device that can handle light processing and streaming.

Xbox leader Phil Spencer also tells Business Insider, “[Project xCloud] is really about reaching a customer wherever they are, on the devices that they have.”

Microsoft does already have some competitors in this new venture, including fellow giant Google and even Verizon. Google’s Project Stream, a similar service to Project xCloud, has already run a technical test in late 2018. Meanwhile, Verizon’s future service will apparently be compatible with the Nvidia Shield and will include support for AAA games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and God of War. However, Microsoft does have a massive edge on its competition in the form of a massive library of wholly-owned game IPs that other services could not use without their blessing. When the game-streaming wars begin, that library may just be Project xCloud’s secret weapon.

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