Xbox and PlayStation are two of the biggest names in the console gaming market, but between the two, the former has always struggled significantly. It is the reason Xbox continues to look for ways to attract more players, with the hope of closing the huge gap. In recent years, it has expanded Xbox Game Pass day-one releases and added one of the biggest names in Call of Duty. It also introduced a cloud gaming service to let players play their favorite games from anywhere and at any time. Now, the team seems to be working on a cheaper Xbox Cloud Gaming subscription tier to make it a more attractive option to players.
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Xbox Cloud Gaming Is Expensive…
For those who might be unfamiliar, Xbox Cloud Gaming is a subscription service that lets player stream their favorite game on their device. Think of it as Netflix or Hulu, but for video games. The service supports a wide range of devices like Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Smart TVs, gaming handhelds, and even Meta Quest VR headsets. All you need is a hardware device, a high-speed internet connection, and an active subscription to the service.
The last part is where things get a bit complicated. Xbox Cloud Gaming is currently available only as a benefit of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier. It means you need to pay USD 20 per month even if you care only about the cloud gaming and do not want or need any other benefits. This is particularly an unnecessary expense for someone who does not have an Xbox console or gaming PC.
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But a Cheaper Xbox Cloud Gaming Subscription Could Change Things
Jason Ronald, Vice-President of Next Generation at Microsoft Xbox, recently talked about the possibility of an affordable Xbox Cloud Gaming subscription tier in the official Xbox podcast.
He said,
“One of the things we see is there’s a lot of players who use Game Pass Ultimate to access the cloud, whether that’s the primary way they play, or an additional way to play on the go. I think for us, it really opens up the opportunity to make it much more affordable, and make it more accessible to players. Whether that’s going into new regions, or new ways to actually access the [Xbox] cloud.”
This is in no way an official confirmation, but it gives an idea of the direction Xbox could take. A cheaper Xbox Cloud Gaming subscription is more likely to attract players who only care about cloud gaming. It also has the potential of getting attention from players who cannot afford the latest-generation consoles or a beefed-up gaming PC. They will be able to play modern video games even on a budget smartphone, tablet, or desktop/laptop.
The right mix of pocket-friendly pricing and convenience of gaming can make it the obvious pick for a large number of players. It even has the potential of making players committed to rival platforms and services consider a change to Xbox cloud gaming.
But before you get too excited about the potential future, we suggest you hold your horses, as we have no idea what Roland means by “affordable” tier. It could just be a cheaper tier with limited features and restrictions, like lower streaming resolution, to enter new price-sensitive markets. I, personally, would want Xbox to offer a stand-alone Xbox Cloud Gaming subscription with no limitations and restrictions at a cheaper price.
As for now, we cannot do anything beyond hoping and waiting. What do you think about the possible affordable Xbox Cloud Gaming? Share your thoughts with us using the comments section below.
