Huge Win for Xbox Game Pass Subscribers: New Feature Announcement

Xbox Game Pass has unveiled an exciting new feature tailored for Ultimate members that promises to transform gaming experiences through streaming. Currently available to a select group, it will be rolled out to additional users in the coming year. This development is particularly significant in light of ongoing concerns within the gaming community about the state of console gaming.

At present, Xbox Game Pass offers various subscription tiers. While the new streaming feature is initially exclusive to Ultimate subscribers, Xbox Insiders in the Alpha Skip-Ahead or Alpha rings can also take advantage of it. Dubbed “Stream Your Own Game,”this feature is currently accessible in nearly 28 countries.

Game Pass Is Testing A New Way To Stream Games

Stream Games That Aren’t On Game Pass

Previously, gamers could only utilize Cloud Streaming for titles included in the Game Pass library, assuming they held an active subscription. Cloud Streaming offered players the chance to enjoy supported titles from virtually any location, provided they had a stable Internet connection, whether on a console, PC, or mobile device. This feature was already well-received, but the upcoming enhancements promise even greater functionality.

The freshly launched “Stream Your Own Game”feature enables players to stream any compatible game they own, even if it is not part of the Game Pass catalog. Initially rolled out in November for Ultimate subscribers and Insiders to use on mobile devices and PCs, this capability has now extended to consoles as well. An expanding library of supported games is anticipated as Cloud Gaming integrates more titles.

Notable titles available for streaming include popular games such as Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Baldur’s Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, Star Wars Outlaws, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Although access to this feature is currently limited, a wider rollout is expected by 2025.

Why Streaming Games No Longer On Game Pass Is Great

More Options For Players With Limited Space

The ability to stream non-Game Pass titles on Xbox is a significant advancement that is likely to be embraced by gamers. This feature alleviates the need for gamers to download huge game files, an especially pertinent issue considering recent releases like Indiana Jones & The Great Circle and STALKER 2, both of which launched with files exceeding 130 GB.

As console storage becomes increasingly limited, the ability to alternate between multiple games without having to commit precious storage space could drastically enhance user experience. Gamers who wish to sample new titles without the risk of sacrificing their entire library stand to benefit greatly from Cloud Gaming’s advancements.

If the streaming process runs smoothly, it could revolutionize how users manage rising game file sizes. Additionally, for players who initially tried a title while it was available on Game Pass, the ability to continue their journey via streaming means less hassle in terms of hard drive organization.

When Will Game Pass’ New Feature Become Official?

When Will It Be Available For Everyone?

Shocked character with the Xbox Game Pass — Custom image by Katarina Cimbaljevic

The feature is slated to become widely accessible sometime in 2025; however, the exact timeline remains speculative. Current trials aim to evaluate the system’s performance and address any potential glitches. Previous experiences with Cloud Streaming on Game Pass indicated lag issues, which could be a primary focus during testing.

Fortunately, Microsoft has accumulated considerable data on streaming functionality, and given the rapid expansion from mobile and PC to consoles, a speedier rollout appears likely. The plan is for initial access to be extended to all Game Pass subscribers and Insiders, eventually reaching the broader audience.

If testing continues on a positive trajectory, users may enjoy access sooner rather than later. With the busy holiday season approaching, an influx of usage data could accelerate the advancement of this feature. With any luck, everyone could expect full access by the close of the first quarter in 2025, though a summer rollout is also a possibility.

While nobody at Microsoft can confirm a precise date, the swift progress of the initiative suggests exciting prospects. The future of this streaming feature for Xbox is undeniably promising.

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