Xbox Game Pass has recently introduced an exciting new feature for Ultimate members that is set to revolutionize the way some games are streamed. The feature is currently available to a select group of users, with broader access expected in the new year. It promises to address ongoing concerns from gamers about the current state of console gaming.
At present, Xbox Game Pass offers various subscription tiers, but this new feature is initially accessible only to Ultimate members. Additionally, Xbox Insiders in the Alpha Skip-Ahead or Alpha rings can also access it. The new feature, called "Stream Your Own Game," allows users to stream supported games that they own, even if those titles aren't part of the Game Pass catalog. While this feature began testing in November for Ultimate members and Insiders on phones and PCs, it has now expanded to consoles as well. As of now, nearly 28 countries are part of this test, with plans to extend it to all players in 2025.
Game Pass Takes Game Streaming to the Next Level
Previously, Cloud Streaming on Xbox Game Pass was only available for titles included in the Game Pass library. This allowed subscribers to stream games from the service on their consoles, PCs, or mobile devices, provided they had a good internet connection. While this was a solid feature, the new "Stream Your Own Game" option is an exciting enhancement.
This feature enables players to stream any compatible game they own, even if it isn't included in the Game Pass catalog. Titles like Assassin's Creed Mirage, Baldur's Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, Star Wars Outlaws, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt are part of the initial supported lineup, with more games expected to join over time as Cloud Gaming expands its support.
Why This New Feature is a Game-Changer
The ability to stream games not part of the Game Pass catalog is a major advancement. This is especially important as game file sizes continue to grow, with recent releases like Indiana Jones & The Great Circle and STALKER 2 each requiring over 130 GB of storage. With limited storage space on consoles, players often find themselves juggling game installations and struggling to maintain room for new titles.
With Cloud Gaming, players can avoid the need to download large game files, instead opting to stream the games directly to their console or PC. This means players can quickly jump between titles without worrying about storage space, making it easier to experience new games without the hassle of constant reorganization. Additionally, those who have played a game while it was available on Game Pass but wish to continue playing it afterward can now do so through streaming, keeping their console storage intact.
When Will the Feature Be Available to Everyone?
Currently, this feature is in the testing phase, but Microsoft plans to roll it out to all players sometime in 2025. The ongoing tests are likely aimed at addressing any bugs and ensuring the system can handle streaming at scale, especially given the lag issues that have been present in previous Cloud Gaming experiences. The feature has already expanded from phone and PC platforms to consoles, indicating that the rollout process is moving quickly.
While an exact timeline is uncertain, it is speculated that full access could be granted by the end of Q1 2025, though a summer launch is also a possibility. As the testing phase continues, it's likely that more players will gain access to this feature in the coming months. Optimistically, it could be available to all Game Pass subscribers within the first half of 2025, ensuring that the feature reaches its full potential.
In any case, the future of game streaming on Xbox looks promising, with the "Stream Your Own Game" feature being a major step forward in the evolution of Cloud Gaming.
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