Xbox Game Pass

EE and Xbox Announce 10-Year Partnership to Expand Gaming on Mobile Devices in the UK

Posted on by Spieler Dad

EE, one of the UK’s largest mobile network operators, has announced a 10-year partnership with Xbox to bring cloud gaming to mobile devices. The partnership will enable EE customers to access Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which includes over 100 games, on their mobile devices via the cloud.

The move represents a major shift in the gaming industry, as it marks the first time that Xbox has partnered with a mobile network operator to bring its cloud gaming service to a wider audience. EE, which is owned by BT, is hoping to tap into the growing demand for mobile gaming, as more and more people turn to their smartphones and tablets for entertainment.

The partnership will allow EE customers to play Xbox games on the go, without the need for a console or high-end PC. The service will be available on Android devices initially, with support for iOS devices coming later this year.

The move is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy of focusing on cloud-based services, as the company seeks to expand its reach in the gaming industry. By partnering with EE, Xbox is hoping to reach new audiences and make gaming more accessible to people who may not have access to consoles or gaming PCs.

EE is also hoping to capitalize on the growing trend of mobile gaming, which has seen significant growth in recent years. The partnership is expected to help the mobile network operator to differentiate itself from its competitors, by offering unique and innovative services that appeal to a wide range of customers.

Overall, the partnership between EE and Xbox represents an exciting new development in the gaming industry, as more and more players turn to cloud gaming and mobile devices for their entertainment needs. With the 10-year partnership, both companies are hoping to drive innovation and expand the reach of gaming, making it more accessible to a wider audience than ever before.

Also, these partnerships are in Microsoft’s best interests as it attempts to calm UK CMA as it tries to push the Activision acquisition through.

Survey Suggests Microsoft is Considering An Ad-Supported Game Pass Tier

Posted on by Spieler Dad

A recent survey conducted by Microsoft has asked gamers if they would be willing to pay a lower monthly subscription than the standard Xbox Game Pass monthly fee, in exchange for some limitations and the integration of ads.

A survey, by all means, is not an indication that such a tier would see the light of day, however, it does indicate that this is something that Microsoft is considering.

My Spanish is good enough to make me dangerous.

Game Pass has quickly become a cornerstone of Xbox’s strategy holding 25 million subscribers, even though growth has slowed recently. A cheaper tier subsidized by ads may give the service another jolt. Let’s also not forget that Microsoft has acquired Bethesda and is trying to also add Activision Blizzard, which would provide the service with quite the roster of AAA titles.

All in all, Game Pass racked in $2.9 billion for Xbox in 2021, which is totally a sum you can live on.

[Source: ResetEra]

Microsoft Plans to Release the Xbox Streaming Stick Within the Next Year

Posted on by Spieler Dad

Microsoft is planning to release the rumored Xbox Streaming Stick within the next 12 months. The Xbox Streaming Stick will allow users to stream Xbox Game Pass games to your TV without a dedicated console.

The Xbox Streaming Stick aligns with Microsoft’s “Xbox Everywhere” initiative, to get Xbox Cloud Gaming and Xbox Game Pass into as many connected devices as possible. Microsoft is also partnering with Samsung to develop an Xbox Cloud Gaming app for the TV manufacturer. This will allow Samsung TV owners to stream Game Pass titles without a streaming stick.

The Xbox Streaming Stick was initially revealed during E3 2021, but things have been quiet since then. Looks like Microsoft has been quietly ramping and perhaps an announcement is imminent.

[Source: VentureBeat]

The Latest Starfield Mini-Doc Is All About the Musical Score

Posted on by Spieler Dad

I don’t think I’m going out on a limb when I say that Starfield’s music is going to be top-notch. One just needs to look (or listen) to Bethesda’s previous works and you have an idea of what to expect in terms of quality and scale.

The latest Starfield mini-doc looks into how the soundtrack was constructed, as audio director Mark Lampert and composer Inon Zur detail their processes and inspiration in building the game’s epic score.

Starfield launches on the PC and Xbox Series X|S on November 11, 2022. It will also be available on day one on Xbox Game Pass.

[Source: Youtube]

Xbox Cloud Gaming Is Now Live on All Xbox Consoles

Posted on by Spieler Dad

Starting today, some lucky Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can stream games to their console instead of downloading them. This includes streaming Xbox Series X games to your old and crusty Xbox One. Of course, you can also stream games to your Xbox Series X or S, if you want to take them for a spin before downloading them, saving precious storage space.

Microsoft is slow-rolling this out to users globally with more folks getting access in the coming weeks. To help users differentiate, titles that can be streamed will have a “cloud” icon on the Xbox Store.

Of course, quality will vary depending on your internet connection. Also, if you have a data cap, you may want to be wary.

[Source: Microsoft]

Xbox Game Pass Is ‘Very, Very Sustainable’ According to Phil Spencer

Posted on by Spieler Dad

Xbox Executive Vice President Phil Spencer has shared during a press briefing celebrating the Xbox’s 20th anniversary that Game Pass is “very, very sustainable” and is “continuing to grow.” This runs counter to many skeptics who believe that the service must be a loss leader with the goal to build up as many subscriptions as possible.

“I know there’s a lot of people that like to write [that] we’re burning cash right now for some future pot of gold at the end… No. Game Pass is very, very sustainable right now as it sits. And it continues to grow.”

Phil Spencer via Axios

Earlier in the year, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that Xbox Game Pass has 18 million subscribers, which is nothing to sneeze at. With the highly successful launch of Forza Horizon 5, Halo Infinite coming up next month, and a growing stable of first-party exclusives, as well as 3rd party games, things are looking mighty bright for the service.

[Source: Axios]

So Streaming on Xbox Game Pass Actually Starts August 11

Posted on by Spieler Dad

Microsoft has just announced that xCloud and Game Pass Ultimate officially merge September 15. Unofficially, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will get to try the service August 11.

Microsoft has released a statement to The Verge that the the beta opens up August 11, with a pared down library of games.

“As we approach the launch of cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on September 15, we’re entering a limited beta period to ensure a smooth transition of the cloud gaming experience to the Xbox Game Pass app on Android,” explains a Microsoft spokesperson in a statement to The Verge. “Existing Xbox Game Pass (Beta) app users will get the opportunity to test a subset of the available titles as we ready the experience for broader availability next month. This limited beta is critical to providing the best possible experience for members at launch and should not be considered indicative of the final experience or library.”

Microsoft via The Verge

I have a vacation planned next week and now I have to go out and pick up an Android device to try this out away from home. I would use my iPhone or iPad, but Apple is being a shithead.

[Source: Microsoft via The Verge]

Xbox Game Pass and Project xCloud to Merge September 15

Posted on by Spieler Dad

Microsoft has announced that its impressive Xbox Game Pass service will be merged with its ambitious xCloud service on September 15.

According to the Microsoft’s official blog, Xbox Wire, “…beginning September 15, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can play more than 100 games from the cloud on their Android phone or tablet.”

Microsoft

So there are some caveats. One needs to be a Game Pass Ultimate subscriber, which is the highest tier at $14.99 per month. Also, you need to have an Android device, which makes you a savage caveman that sends green texts.

With this news Microsoft has announced a slew of compatible xCloud devices for gaming on the go.

Razer Kishi ($100)

PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus ($70)

8BitDo SN30 Pro ($45)

So finally, we have some interesting gaming related news coming out. It’s not about the Series X, but exciting none-the-less.

[Source: Microsoft]

Microsoft is Relaunching and Expanding Xbox All Access

Posted on by Spieler Dad

Xbox All Access was one of the best deals that doesn’t get much attention. The all inclusive service essentially allows you to lease a console for a monthly fee. To sweeten the pot, you also get access to Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass. It really is a no brainer, but the concept is so foreign for console gamers that it doesn’t get much traction. In the end, it’s like getting a console if you sign up for Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass.

I’m pretty open to new ways of gaming, jumping on to digital disruption very early, and even I was weary of “leasing” a console. However, Microsoft is sweetening the pot yet again.

Microsoft

This is a crazy good deal, and I may sell my Xbox One X and use the funds to subsidize the cost of the program. Early adopters who are eyeballing Project Scarlett can upgrade after making 12 payments, provided you have good enough credit.

[Source: Microsoft]

No More Xbox Exclusives on Competitor Consoles, Unless They’re Xbox Games Pass—Maybe

Posted on by Spieler Dad

Earlier in the week, Xbox boss Phil Spencer put the kibosh on future Xbox exclusives appearing on competitor’s hardware. However, Ben Decker, head of gaming services at Xbox, mentioned that they will always be open to getting Game Pass on as many platforms possible.

“You know, we would like to see Game Pass on all platforms ultimately and I think that is a long term goal. We don’t have any specific plans today, but we would love to see Game Pass really go everywhere.”

Ben Decker via Gamereactor

Interesting turn of events. Since many Xbox exclusives appear on Game Pass, then in a way they could end up on other consoles.

[Source: Gamereactor]