Xbox Set To Introduce Cloud-Only Subscription Plan, Teases Update

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Could Be Added As New Tier For Game Pass!

Story Highlight
  • A backend Xbox update teases several new changes to cloud gaming.
  • Microsoft may be gearing up to introduce new cloud-only subscription tiers to further expand this part of the business.
  • Games like GTA 5, Genshin Impact, and more could be included in this push.

Microsoft’s push for cloud gaming has yielded some interesting results. The gaming giant boasts tens of millions of cloud users on the platform today, suggesting that the service is growing dramatically with each passing day.

Amid the growth, a series of backend updates also suggests that something more is being worked on to promote Xbox cloud gaming. It appears Microsoft may be working on a new subscription plan for cloud gaming.

Why it matters: As gaming expands beyond the living room and proprietary hardware devices, cloud functionality is poised to become increasingly important.

Xbox Cloud Gaming
Xbox Cloud Gaming Is Improving With Each Passing Year

Over on Bluesky, redphx pointed out that various Game Pass titles have been added to unknown programs within the xCloud files.

These programs are denoted Callisto, Dia, Europa, and Ferdinand, with games like Doom 64 and Genshin Impact being included in all four. On the other hand, a title like GTA 5 is only included in Callisto and Dia, suggesting that Microsoft is preparing new updates for xCloud.

Redphx believes these updates point to incoming streaming-only plans from Xbox. Interestingly, reliable insider Jez Corden previously suggested Microsoft was working on new cloud-only tiers for Xbox Game Pass.

As such, this backend update could be an indication that Microsoft is finally putting these plans into motion. Perhaps an official announcement is also on the way.

Xbox Cloud Gaming
Microsoft Build Conference Reveals Xbox Cloud Gaming Progress

For the unaware, Xbox Cloud Gaming is currently available as part of the Ultimate Game Pass tier. This update would make Xbox’s cloud component more accessible to the masses, but it could also lead to further segmentation of an already somewhat confusing subscription service.

What do you think about a cloud-only subscription from Xbox? Let’s discuss in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

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