Cloud Gaming
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Cloud Gaming.- MMO Business Roundup: Stop Killing Games’ setback, Sony’s PC games, and Amazon’s cloud service aspirationsStop Killing Games faced a setback as the EU confirmed it will not change laws to cover game shutdowns but will work on an industry code of conduct. PlayStation CEO Hideaki Nishino stated that PC releases, especially for live-service games, remain a standard strategy for Sony. Amazon continues to operate and promote its Luna cloud gaming service, aiming to increase its visibility among Prime members.
Using a mobile controller has completely ruined my ability to game without one, and it's the perfect time to test…Using a mobile controller like the Scuf Nomad has significantly improved the author's mobile gaming experience, making on-screen controls feel inadequate. While the Nomad is praised for its design and functionality on iPhones, it is not compatible with Android devices. The article suggests that mobile controllers enhance gameplay by providing better control and reaction times, though they make returning to touch controls a chore.- Subscriptions, Clouds, and StreamsNVIDIA's GeForce NOW service is enhancing its integration with member game libraries across various devices. This update aims to streamline the cloud gaming experience for subscribers by connecting to their existing game collections.
Sync and Stream: GeForce NOW Connects to Members’ Game Libraries Across DevicesNVIDIA's GeForce NOW cloud gaming service is expanding its library with new titles from various PC game stores, allowing players to stream games they already own across multiple devices. The service is also offering discounted annual memberships for its Performance and Ultimate tiers this summer. New games like Embers of the Uncrowned and Pro Cycling Manager 26 are being added, with some available through services like Xbox Game Pass.- Subscriptions, Clouds, and StreamsXbox Game Pass will be adding EA Sports FC 26, RV There Yet?, and Winds of Arcana: Ruination to its service. The article also touches on broader industry trends like subscriptions, cloud gaming, and game streaming.
Call of Duty: Vanguard and EA Sports FC 26 Joining Game Pass This WeekXbox Game Pass is adding several titles throughout June and July, including Call of Duty: Vanguard on June 17th and EA Sports FC 26 on June 18th. New additions also feature Abyssus, RV There Yet?, and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4. Several games will depart the service on June 30th, such as Mecha BREAK and Slay the Spire.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox must become 'sustainable' as it reportedly considers major spinoffMicrosoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that Xbox must become a 'sustainable' business, implying it has been subsidized rather than profitable. This follows reports that Microsoft is considering spinning out Xbox into a standalone unit, potentially to sell it or find a partner. The company also aims to speed up development for major franchises like Halo and The Elder Scrolls, while addressing challenges like memory chip price increases driven by AI companies.
Embers of the Uncrowned Demo Pre-Download Opens Ahead of Steam Next FestNexon has announced that the pre-download for the Embers of the Uncrowned demo will be available on Steam starting June 13, ahead of its playable period during Steam Next Fest from June 15-22. The demo will offer over 3 hours of main quest gameplay and more than 8 hours of total content, featuring three regions, multiple boss encounters, multiplayer activities, and cloud gaming support via Nvidia GeForce Now and Boosteroid.
When do Kingdom Hearts Nintendo Switch Cloud Version servers shut down?The cloud versions of several Kingdom Hearts games on Nintendo Switch will have their servers shut down on June 9, 2027. This shutdown will render Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5 ReMix Cloud Version, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue Cloud Version, Kingdom Hearts 3 + Re Mind (DLC) Cloud Version, and Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece Cloud Version unplayable. A digital collection of Kingdom Hearts games is planned for release on the original Nintendo Switch in October 2026.
Nvidia GeForce Now annual plans just dropped to as low as $64.99 in summer saleNvidia is offering significant discounts on annual plans for its GeForce Now cloud gaming service as part of a summer sale. Annual subscriptions for the Performance and Ultimate plans are available at reduced prices, with savings of up to $70, bringing the cost down to as low as $64.99. These discounted rates are available until July 8.- Subscriptions, Clouds, and StreamsNVIDIA announced its GeForce NOW Summer Sale, offering discounts on cloud gaming subscriptions. The sale highlights NVIDIA's focus on cloud-based gaming services and subscription models.
Save Big and Play Bigger: GeForce NOW Summer Sale Brings Major Membership SavingsNVIDIA is holding a summer sale for its GeForce NOW cloud gaming service, offering significant discounts of up to $70 on 12-month memberships. The service provides access to PC games across various devices with high-end cloud hardware. New titles like Guild Wars 3 are coming to the platform, with current members receiving exclusive in-game rewards for Guild Wars 2 and Guild Wars Reforged.
Xbox Reportedly Preparing Major Layoffs as Gaming Division Faces Restructure | Invision Game CommunityXbox is reportedly preparing for significant layoffs and a wider restructuring within Microsoft's gaming division. This move is expected to occur after the company's financial year ends and may involve streamlining teams and shifting resources towards subscription services and cloud gaming.
Microsoft doesn't know what to do about the memory pricing crisis Microsoft is causingMicrosoft is facing a memory pricing crisis, partly caused by its own AI ambitions, which is impacting its ability to release a cutting-edge new Xbox at an affordable price. New Xbox boss Asha Sharma acknowledged the need for new business models beyond just high-performance hardware, suggesting radical changes and flexible storage solutions to address the affordability issue.
Kingdom Hearts Cloud Versions are going offline for Switch buyersSquare Enix has removed the cloud versions of the Kingdom Hearts series from the Nintendo Switch eShop and announced they will be unplayable after June 9, 2027. Existing owners can receive a discount on native ports of the games, including a new native port of Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX- for the original Switch and upcoming ports for Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma teases "radically different business models", hints at potentially cheaper console to arrive this yearXbox CEO Asha Sharma has indicated that the company is exploring "radically different business models" to address rising hardware costs and make consoles more accessible. Sharma suggested that a potentially cheaper console could arrive later this year, moving beyond solely focusing on high-performance hardware. These new models might involve optimizations in console manufacturing and could lean more heavily on cloud gaming solutions.
The Kingdom Hearts Nintendo Switch Cloud Versions being delisted todaySquare Enix has announced that the cloud versions of Kingdom Hearts titles on Nintendo Switch will be delisted from the eShop starting June 9, 2026. While sales will cease, players who have already purchased these games will be able to play them until June 9, 2027. A native Kingdom Hearts Collection is also coming to Nintendo Switch.
Kingdom Hearts IV drops new trailer and ends the Switch cloud versionsSquare Enix has released a new teaser trailer for Kingdom Hearts IV, showcasing new story elements and confirming its multiplatform release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. Concurrently, sales of the Nintendo Switch cloud versions of Kingdom Hearts titles have ceased, though existing owners can play until June 2027, with options to transfer save data to new digital Switch 2 versions.
Kingdom Hearts Switch Cloud Versions Discontinued From SaleSquare Enix has announced that the cloud versions of several Kingdom Hearts titles for the Nintendo Switch will be discontinued from sale on June 9, 2026, with services ending entirely on June 9, 2027. Owners of these cloud versions are eligible for discounts on the upcoming digital Nintendo Switch 2 versions, which are set to launch on October 8, 2026.
XBOX CEO Says New Business Model is Needed “Rather Than Premium, High-Performance” ConsolesXbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company is exploring new business models for consoles, moving away from solely focusing on premium, high-performance hardware due to rising costs. This approach contrasts with previous statements from Sarah Bond about a "very premium" next-gen console. Industry analysts suggest cloud gaming subscriptions as a potential alternative for budget-conscious gamers.