Microsoft has settled on bringing their xCloud gaming service, currently available for free with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, to iOS and PCs during spring 2021. Xbox Ultimate Game Pass is $14.99 a month, and it includes xCloud for free. It allows you to stream Xbox titles on Android smartphones and tablets, as long as you are connected to the internet.
A blog bost posted on Wednesday, December 9th, 2020, establishes the launch window for xCloud on iOS and PC.
Jerret West, marketing chief for Microsoft states the following:
“In Spring 2021, we will take the next step in our journey to reach more players around the world by making cloud gaming as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate available on Windows PCs through the Xbox app and browser, and iOS devices through mobile web browser. By adding over a billion devices as a path to playing in the Xbox ecosystem, we envision a seamless experience for all types of players.”As previously mentioned, xCloud will be included as part of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. According to the previously mentioned blog post. Microsoft is looking to expand and launch its cloud gaming beta next year to more markets, such as Australia, Japan, Mexico, and Brazil.
Not on the App Store
The PC version will be available through the Xbox app and browser, while the iOS version will be only via the mobile web browser. This is a result of Apple implementing some rather stern rules when opening the door to game streaming services. The rules consist of companies submitting and publishing every game offered on the streaming service, as an individual title on the App store. And considering there are more than 100 titles on xCloud, this was an obvious no from Microsoft. Although, Apple does not quarrel with developers launching cloud-gaming services directly via the mobile browser.
