Cloud Gaming
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Cloud Gaming.
Man behind Xbox backwards compatibility laid off as 25% of Obsidian devs cutMicrosoft has laid off Kevin LaChapelle, the key figure behind Xbox's backwards compatibility and cloud gaming features, as part of broader cuts affecting 3,200 employees. Several development studios, including Compulsion Games and Double Fine, have become independent or are being sold off. Approximately 25% of Obsidian Entertainment's staff has also been impacted by these layoffs.- Subscriptions, Clouds, and StreamsA new report suggests that Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing a significant restructure that could lead to major changes for its Game Pass subscription service. The article speculates on potential shifts in how subscriptions, cloud gaming, and game streaming are integrated.
The Best Wireless Earbuds We’ve ReviewedThis article reviews and ranks the best wireless earbuds available, focusing on their performance for gaming and general use. The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds for Xbox are highlighted as the overall winner due to their versatility and native Xbox wireless support. Other top contenders include the Status Pro X for premium audio, Status Between 3ANC for noise cancellation, GravaStar Sirius Plus for value, and final VR3000 Wireless for gamers prioritizing low latency.
Is GTA VI Part of the Final Push Away from Discs?Grand Theft Auto VI's massive anticipated launch is fueling speculation about a potential shift away from physical discs in the gaming industry. While physical editions may still be released with download codes, the trend towards digital distribution and cloud-based entertainment suggests this title could be a catalyst for further change.
PlayStation Leadership Discusses Potential Price Hikes for PS Plus SubscriptionsSony Interactive Entertainment executives discussed the potential for price increases on PlayStation Plus subscriptions, citing the service's tiered structure and strong profitability. They also mentioned plans to expand cloud gaming infrastructure, with costs expected to be recovered through PS Plus revenue. Past price hikes have not deterred subscriber growth, with higher tiers showing increased adoption.- Subscriptions, Clouds, and StreamsNVIDIA's GeForce NOW service will feature new games in July, while Xbox Game Pass is set to remove a significant number of titles soon. The article touches upon the evolving landscape of game subscriptions and cloud streaming services.
Joyride Through July With 12 Games Coming to GeForce NOWNVIDIA's GeForce NOW cloud gaming service is adding 12 new games in July, including Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains and Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced. The service also highlights ongoing summer savings on its Performance and Ultimate memberships, allowing users to stream games across various devices with RTX-powered performance.- MMO Week in Review: Guild Wars goes mobile, Bungie gets layoffsThis week's MMO news includes Guild Wars launching on mobile, Star Trek Online's new update, and Throne & Liberty's summer expansion. However, the industry also saw significant layoffs at Sony and Bungie, impacting hundreds of developers working on Destiny 2 and Marathon. Other news includes Valve's Steam Machine pricing, the ongoing Ashes of Creation lawsuit, and updates on Grand Theft Auto VI's online multiplayer.
Playstation 6 blir troligtvis en kostsam historiaSony's CEO Hideaki Nishino indicated that the company does not intend to sell the PlayStation 6 at a significant loss, suggesting a higher price point than previous generations. This follows reports of high component costs for the console and Sony's recent price increases for the PlayStation 5, which have not impacted demand. Sony is also investing in AI and cloud gaming to expand its future platform offerings.- Subscriptions, Clouds, and StreamsActivision is promoting Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 by highlighting that it will not be available on Game Pass. Xbox has reportedly paused new third-party deals for Game Pass, impacting the availability of games on the subscription service.
Someone is playing World of Warcraft Classic on their mobile. Yes, they're a heathen.A Reddit user has successfully streamed World of Warcraft Classic to a mobile device using Nvidia's GeForce Now cloud gaming service. While the setup is described as 'cursed' and features a non-customizable interface with some latency, the user found it surprisingly enjoyable. This development raises questions about the future of MMORPGs on mobile platforms, especially with other titles like Final Fantasy XIV Mobile in development.
A PS6 handheld is seemingly on the table as PlayStation CEO says Sony will be "leveraging technologies that can be…Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hideaki Nishino has indicated that the company is exploring technologies for future game consoles that can be used in various forms and locations, suggesting a potential for a handheld PlayStation 6. While not officially confirmed, Nishino's comments, coupled with the success of the PlayStation Portal, point towards Sony's continued interest in the handheld market. Analysts suggest a PS6 console could launch around 2028 or 2029.- Subscriptions, Clouds, and StreamsNVIDIA announced that GeForce NOW will be participating in the Steam Summer Sale. This event highlights the growing trend of subscription services and cloud gaming platforms offering access to game libraries and sales.
The Ultimate Summer Sale Pairing: Steam Sale Meets GeForce NOW DiscountsNVIDIA's GeForce NOW is offering discounts on its Ultimate and Performance memberships to coincide with the Steam Summer Sale. This promotion allows players to stream PC games purchased on Steam via the cloud, eliminating storage and hardware requirements. New games like Dark Scrolls and The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales are also joining the GeForce NOW library.
Xbox May Have Just Solved A Major Annoyance About Huge Game UpdatesMicrosoft has released an update for Xbox Insiders that allows players to use cloud gaming to play titles that are currently updating. This feature, available for Game Pass subscribers, addresses a major annoyance for console players who previously could not access games during lengthy update downloads. The update also includes improvements to Gamertags and game hubs for Xbox 360 titles.
Available for XBOX Insiders: Updates to Gamertags, Game Hubs, and WishlistsMicrosoft is rolling out new Xbox Insider features for Alpha Skip-Ahead users, including expanded 15-character gamertags, Xbox 360 achievement tracking in game hubs, and the ability to play games via cloud gaming while they update. Players can also now add any game to their wishlist directly from game cards.
Xbox vs PC: How Gamer Preferences Are ChangingThe traditional rivalry between Xbox and PC gaming is evolving, with factors like accessibility, subscription services, cloud gaming, and cross-platform play becoming more influential than raw performance. While PC gaming offers flexibility and customization, especially for competitive play and esports, Xbox appeals through its simplicity, affordability, and integrated ecosystem. Both platforms are adapting to changing consumer expectations, potentially blurring the lines between console and PC gaming in the future.- These Are The XBOX Game Pass Games Everyone’s Playing Right NowXbox Game Pass offers a diverse library of popular games across various genres, including racing, horror, survival, and RPGs. Titles like Forza Horizon 6, Escape The Backrooms, Mixtape, Subnautica 2, and Echo Generation 2 are highlighted as current player favorites. The service's flexibility allows players to switch between different experiences on Xbox, PC, and via cloud gaming, making it an appealing option for discovering new games.
"This is going to be a niche device" – Analysts react to the $1,000+ Steam Machine price revealIndustry analysts are reacting to Valve's Steam Machine pricing, which starts at $1,049, significantly higher than initially anticipated. This increase is attributed to global component shortages, particularly memory and storage, exacerbated by the generative AI boom. Experts believe this high price point positions the Steam Machine as a niche product and raises questions about the future pricing of upcoming consoles from Sony and Microsoft, with some predicting they will also exceed $1,000.
The Future of Consoles: What to Expect from the Next Generation of XboxMicrosoft is developing a next-generation Xbox platform, codenamed Project Helix, which aims to unify the Xbox and PC gaming ecosystems. This future console will emphasize cloud gaming, artificial intelligence for enhanced experiences and performance, and maintain backward compatibility. The strategy suggests a shift towards a flexible, multi-device gaming environment rather than a traditional, single-purpose console.