Game Streaming
Ongoing coverage on Game Streaming.
Latest coverage
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Director Says Streamers Might Be Contributing To RPG “Crisis”
Naoki Hamaguchi, director of Final Fantasy VII Revelation, suggests that the popularity of game streaming might be contributing to a perceived "crisis" in the RPG genre. He theorizes that narrative-heavy games can be experienced passively through streams, potentially reducing the incentive for players to purchase and play them themselves. Hamaguchi emphasizes the need for RPGs to incorporate more player choice and decision-making to remain engaging.
Asha Sharma faces tough decisions with limited room for manoeuvre | Opinion
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma faces significant challenges in turning around the division's financial performance and strategic direction. Despite positive initial messaging and decisions like cutting Game Pass prices, the company must navigate difficult choices regarding its next-generation console, Project Helix, and the future of exclusive titles. With declining revenues and pressure to improve profitability, Sharma's execution of these tough decisions will be critical for Xbox's future.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Director Says Gameplay Streams Pose a Huge Challenge to RPGs
Naoki Hamaguchi, director of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, stated that gameplay streams present a significant challenge for role-playing games. While streaming offers free publicity, there's a risk that players might be content watching others play, making it crucial for RPG developers to create experiences compelling enough for direct engagement.
Nintendo implements restrictions to multi-language Switch 2 in Japan to combat scalpers
Nintendo has implemented purchase restrictions on its multi-language Nintendo Switch 2 in Japan, limiting sales to one console per account and requiring at least 50 hours of playtime by May 2026 to combat scalpers exploiting the weaker yen. Meanwhile, Microsoft's Matthew Ball sees hardware price increases as an opportunity for game streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, noting increased usage amidst console supply shortages.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director feels streamers are causing “a bit of a crisis” for RPGs
Naoki Hamaguchi, director of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, believes that the popularity of game streaming poses a "crisis" for RPGs, as players might feel satisfied by watching without playing. He hopes developers can inspire viewers to engage with games directly by sparking curiosity and experimentation. Hamaguchi also noted that Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade and Rebirth are available, with Final Fantasy 7 on Nintendo Switch 2 coming in 2026.
Xbox says hardware pricing boom represents "great" opportunity for games streaming
Xbox's Chief Strategy Officer, Matthew Ball, stated that the current increase in hardware prices presents a significant opportunity for game streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming. He noted a rise in users trying the platform due to factors like high hardware costs, console supply shortages, and the availability of exclusive titles. Ball emphasized that streaming is a key component of Microsoft's multi-faceted gaming strategy, alongside console and PC play.
Forecast: Fun Ahead — 18 Games Join in June to Stream on GeForce NOW
GeForce NOW is adding 18 games to its cloud streaming library in June, starting with 10 titles this week including NTE: Neverness to Everness and Gothic 1 Remake. The service allows members to play games across various devices without downloads or upgrades, with new titles like Jurassic World Evolution 3 and Fatekeeper also becoming available.
Subscriptions, Clouds, and Streams
Xbox Game Pass is adding several new titles to its subscription service, including Starseeker, Astroneer Expeditions, Beastro, and Undisputed. The article touches on broader industry trends like cloud gaming and game streaming.
Arc Raiders fan plays game on a Nintendo handheld - but not the one you think
A fan has successfully played the upcoming game Arc Raiders on a modified New Nintendo 3DS XL by streaming it from a PC using Moonlight. While the game is not running natively, the user reported acceptable frame rates, though controls remain a challenge. This feat highlights the capabilities of older Nintendo hardware when combined with modern streaming technology.
Subscriptions, Clouds, and Streams
Xbox Game Pass has seen success following a price reduction, according to the CEO. The article also touches upon broader industry trends including subscriptions, cloud gaming, and game streaming.
License to Stream: ‘007 First Light’ Coming to GeForce NOW With an Ultimate Bundle
NVIDIA GeForce NOW is adding eight new games, including the "007 First Light Ultimate Membership Bundle" and "Forza Horizon 6." The "007 First Light" bundle is available with a 12-month Ultimate membership, offering a new take on James Bond's origin story. "Forza Horizon 6" brings its open-world racing to the cloud service, with both titles ready to stream instantly across devices.
Subscriptions, Clouds, and Streams
Sony has announced price increases for its PlayStation Plus subscription service, citing ongoing market conditions. The company did not specify which tiers or regions would be affected by the hikes.
Sunshine game streaming tool adds Vulkan encoding plus XDG, Pipewire, and KWin direct screencast capture
The game streaming tool Sunshine has received a significant update, introducing Vulkan encoding and direct screencast capture support for Linux via XDG, Pipewire, and KWin. This new version also includes security fixes and adds features like network interface binding, ARM64 support for Windows, and macOS audio capture.
Xbox Elite Series 3 Controller and 'Cloud' Pad Leak Online
Images of two unannounced Xbox controllers have leaked online: the 'Xbox Cloud Controller' designed for game streaming and an 'Elite Series 3' controller featuring new scrolling wheels. The Cloud Controller appears to be a smaller, portable version of a standard gamepad, potentially aligning with previous reports of a Wi-Fi-enabled streaming controller. The Elite Series 3 retains the customizable features of its predecessors, with the new wheels' function yet to be clarified. Pricing and release windows remain unknown, but an announcement may occur around the Xbox Games Showcase in June.
You Don't Need An Expensive PC Or Console To Play Subnautica 2
Subnautica 2 is now available in early access on PC and Xbox, with developer Unknown Worlds confirming it's also playable via cloud streaming services like Nvidia GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Despite a legal battle involving parent company Krafton and CEO Ted Gill, the game has seen a strong launch on Steam. Subnautica 2 is not currently announced for PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch.
Subscriptions, Clouds, and Streams
Xbox and Discord are expanding their partnership to offer more benefits to players, focusing on subscriptions, cloud gaming, and game streaming services. This collaboration aims to enhance the player experience through integrated features.
Subscriptions, Clouds, and Streams
Xbox Game Pass will be adding Forza Horizon 6, Mixtape, and Subnautica 2 to its service. The article highlights the growing importance of subscriptions, cloud gaming, and game streaming in the industry.
Xbox has only two options for the future and Microsoft won’t like either of them - Reader’s Feature
A reader suggests Microsoft has only two viable options for the future of Xbox: either transition to a third-party developer model releasing games on all platforms, or sell off its gaming division entirely. The author argues that the Xbox hardware experiment has failed due to declining console sales and the inability of recent acquisitions to significantly boost market share.
GeForce Now: RTX 5080 Performance On Nearly 4000+ Games
NVIDIA's GeForce NOW Ultimate membership now features RTX 5080-class performance, supporting up to 5K resolution at 120 FPS or 360 FPS at 1080p, along with DLSS 4 and advanced ray tracing. This upgrade coincides with the May games lineup, including day-one support for upcoming titles like Forza Horizon 6 and 007 First Light, and the addition of several Firaxis titles.
NVIDIA GeForce NOW gets even more games and RTX 5080 power expands
NVIDIA GeForce NOW is expanding its game library with numerous titles arriving over the next month, including Forza Horizon 6 and Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core. The service is also increasing its RTX 5080-powered systems for Ultimate tier subscribers, offering support for up to 5K resolution at 120 FPS and advanced features like DLSS 4 and ray tracing. Additionally, classic Firaxis strategy games will be added as Install-to-Play titles.
