Xbox Gaming Gets a Cloud Boost: Own Games Streaming in November

Got games in your Xbox library? Soon, you'll be able to stream them too! Microsoft is gearing up to let you play your own games on the cloud in November. This new feature, part of a long-term project called Project Lapland, will first be tested by Xbox Insiders before rolling out to all Xbox users. Why the delay? Well, it's not easy setting up servers to handle thousands of games. While Xbox Game Pass currently supports hundreds, preparing for thousands has taken time. Plus, some publishers might hold back certain games due to licensing agreements or special deals.

This expansion comes at an exciting time. In November, Microsoft also plans to allow game purchases directly through the Xbox mobile app for Android in the US. A recent court ruling has paved the way for this by ending Google's requirement for Google Play Billing in the Play Store. Imagine buying a game on your Android device and instantly streaming it to your phone or tablet. That's the future Microsoft is working towards. They're also developing a browser-based Xbox mobile store, starting with deals and in-game items before expanding to first-party games. Xbox Cloud Gaming was initially set to include game library streaming in 2020, but plans shifted to 2022. While the timing has changed, the goal remains the same: to give gamers more flexibility and access to their favorite games.

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