A few days before the anticipated Xbox and Bethesda game showcase, Microsoft He wanted to predict the event with a special presentation to the press. It was a very similar event to the one held last year and was not intended to tell the rank of upcoming games, but to tell you how to play those games and the Xbox service in general.
If the Sunday night show is going to be entirely devoted to announcements and trailers for new video games, we instead discussed Xbox’s philosophy, the expansion of its services, and Microsoft’s plans to develop the industry at this forty-five minute meeting. the next twenty years. All will be accompanied by several interesting revelations.
So let’s go and explore The future of Xbox is between Cloud and Game Pass.
Xbox on Smart TV
Microsoft Gaming CEO to open presentation Phil Spencer He reiterated what Xbox’s goal in recent years has been: “We’re building a platform that can reach billions of gamers, whether on console, PC, or via the cloud. Whatever device they want to play on, they need to be able to find content they want to enjoy”.
In short, the Xbox was designed as a gaming console, not a gaming console. ubiquitous platform Allows you to access your library from any device with a screen. Precisely with this in mind, an important piece has been added, such as the arrival of the Xbox app to Samsung’s Smart TVs and therefore the possibility to play games that support it in the cloud without the need to connect it to a console.
The intention to invade smart TVs was already expected last year, but now there is a firm date: from June 30, it will be possible to install the TV.Xbox app by himself Samsung Smart TV (only on models manufactured from 2022 for now), enter your Microsoft account and connect any Bluetooth controller to start playing. A clear exception (Fortnite) is that it will be necessary to have a Game Pass Ultimate subscription to play, and obviously it will only be possible to use games that are compatible with the Cloud service (there are over 100 games for now).
While currently the app is only available on the latest Samsung Smart TVs, Microsoft’s intention is to expand over time by making deals with other Smart TV manufacturers on the one hand, and letting the Xbox Cloud arrive on the other. Even on TVs and monitors that aren’t “smart” enough: A few days ago it was still working on Project Keystone, a tiny HDMI device that lets you connect the display to Wi-Fi network along the lines of the Chromecast. Fi is at home.
Still on Cloud Gaming, the service continues to expand into new markets, with Microsoft announcing the service’s arrival in Argentina and New Zealand (still in Beta for now), the game catalog that will be available soon is destined to grow in streaming. Ashley McKissick“One of our biggest requests from users was to be able to stream any game you own, including those that aren’t part of the Game Pass catalog,” said the Corporate Vice President of games division. “They will be able to play all the games they have in the cloud.”
Edge and Windows 11
In addition to TVs, Microsoft plans to expand the Xbox experience to PC via: Windows 11 and Edge. As for the operating system, there is talk of new optimizations for games in the window as well as supporting features like Auto HDR and Variable Refresh Rate. In addition to the Controller Bar, which lets you access games or Xbox Cloud Gaming on PC without using a mouse, there’s also an app to assist with color calibration, a widget to consult the Game Pass catalog and quickly enter the game. and keyboard. , but only the pad. Those who use Edge as a web browser will soon find a revamped homepage with a page dedicated to video games where you can find news, guides, live streaming links and information about new releases, upcoming tournaments or the Xbox Cloud Gaming catalog.
Game Pass demo
Undoubtedly one of the most interesting announcements of Microsoft’s intervention was what it called internal. Moorcroft Project. This is a program that will enrich Xbox Game Pass with preview facility. game demos in development. Initiatives like Steam Next Fest have already shown the benefits: users can discover new games and get a better idea before they buy; Developers, on the other hand, can use demos to promote themselves and, best of all, collect feedback on what works and what doesn’t. PlayStation recently announced a similar program for PlayStation Plus subscribers, but Project Moorcroft has two major differences compared to the Sony-proposed alternative: on the one hand, the program is completely optional for developers who can freely decide whether to release a demo or not. or not; participating developers will also be compensated for the time and resources spent creating a demo; This is an absolutely non-negligible detail that, over time, may convince more development teams to adopt the project.
And games?
The digital appointment about the future of Xbox has allowed company representatives to reiterate some. hot topics already touched last year. From continuous efforts to make video games more accessible, pass user moderation studies to prevent toxic behavior and therefore ensure a pleasant online gaming experience for everyone.
Finally, we talked very briefly about expanding its catalog with the acquisition of new studios: Activision Blizzard and its enormous potential in both the console and mobile market. Talking about significant acquisitions, Todd Howard recalled the last two decades of Xbox history, finally closing the presentation and saying he’s excited to be a part of the Microsoft family today. We’ll have to wait until Sunday to finally learn more about Starfield and its upcoming series that awaits Xbox users in the coming months.
Of course we will follow everything. live on Twitchalso live from Los Angeles: stay with us!
Source: Multiplayer
