Cloud Gaming
Ongoing coverage on Cloud Gaming.
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Playstation 6 blir troligtvis en kostsam historia
Sony'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 Streams
Activision 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 Streams
NVIDIA 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 Discounts
NVIDIA'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 Updates
Microsoft 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 Wishlists
Microsoft 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 Changing
The 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 Now
Xbox 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 reveal
Industry 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 Xbox
Microsoft 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.
MMO Business Roundup: Stop Killing Games’ setback, Sony’s PC games, and Amazon’s cloud service aspirations
Stop 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 Streams
NVIDIA'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 Devices
NVIDIA'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 Streams
Xbox 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 Week
Xbox 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 spinoff
Microsoft 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 Fest
Nexon 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.