Earlier today, in a new update via the Xbox Wire news blog, Microsoft revealed some impressive statistics following the release of the Xbox Series X/S consoles. In November alone, Xbox Game Pass monthly engagement more than doubled and over 1.6 million Smart Delivery upgrades have been delivered to Xbox owners.
So, with the new generation of Xbox consoles already off to a more than solid start, Microsoft has outlined some of its plans for 2021, with the main one being to further expand its xCloud service. Currently, the service is only available on Xbox consoles (that’s including the Xbox One), PCs, and Android devices, but Microsoft confirms that it finally be coming to Windows PC and iOS in Spring 2021.
As a reminder, xCloud (or, as it’s officially called, Xbox Game Pass cloud gaming), is a cloud gaming service that lets users stream their Xbox games to other devices, effectively making it possible to play them via a PC or mobile device. The service is currently available in the United States and United Kingdom (among other regions) and Microsoft says that it aims to bring it to new markets in other countries, including Brazil, Japan, Mexico, and Australia.
xCloud did initially run on iOS devices, it was removed after its test period ended. Though it was never said, many suspected that it was due to Apple’s own policies. Since Apple demands a cut of sales from in-app purchases, it would mean it would be entitled to a cut of any sales on microtransactions. However, it sounds as if Microsoft has managed to figure out a workaround. Rather than run xCloud through Apple’s app store, it will instead be accessed via the mobile web browser. xCloud on Windows PCs will simply be available through the Xbox app and browser.
Microsoft also teases some game releases, reiterating that Halo Infinite and Psychonauts 2 are still scheduled to come out in 2021 (it was recently confirmed that Halo Infinite is now aiming for a Fall release) and that Bethesda and its franchises, like Elder Scrolls and Fallout, will be officially brought into the Xbox family. It adds that fans should tune into the upcoming Game Awards show on December 10th for more surprises, which is basically a confirmation that Microsoft has some announcements planned for the event.
Though the new console’s launch seems to have been a success for Microsoft, not everyone was able to get hold of one. At the moment, both the new Xbox and PlayStation 5 are practically impossible to find, with the only alternative being to buy one from a scalper, but that usually means paying far more than the standard retail price.
Source: Xbox Wire
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