Microsoft game-streaming service 'Project xCloud' and Keanu Reeves all part of E3 briefing
A new feature will allow users to stream games directly from their own Xbox console, instead of Microsofts servers, the company said.
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Microsoft said its game-streaming service "Project xCloud" will go into preview in October. Rival Alphabet Inc’s Google on Thursday started taking pre-orders for its Stadia game-streaming service which will launch in November.
However, both Google’s Stadia announcements and Xbox’s have some gamers worried because of slow home internet speeds.
"I do know that all the teams are working really hard to test all of that," said Cindy Walker, director of Xbox platform marketing. She added "The whole point of it is that if it feels like you’re sacrificing something then it’s not going to be a great experience so I know the teams are definitely looking to use the preview that’s launching in October to learn and understand where the dead spots are, how we think about controls and really kind of using that moment to learn and then refine the plan as it gets bigger and bigger."
A new feature will allow users to stream games directly from their own Xbox console, instead of Microsoft’s servers, the company said.
"Two months ago we connected all Xbox developers to Project xCloud," Phil Spencer, Microsoft’s executive vice president for gaming, said. "Now, the console streaming service will "turn your Xbox One into your own personal and free xCloud server."
"Whether you’re using a console in our data center or your console at home, this October you’ll be able to use our hybrid gaming cloud to play your games wherever you go. Where you play is now entirely your choice," Spencer said.
Although the console and the newest ‘Halo’ brought a lot of excitement to the 1,500 fans gathered in the Microsoft Theater, the biggest screams of the night came when Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves suddenly appeared in footage from the upcoming "Cyberpunk 77" and then appeared on stage.
"Probably the most exciting part was when Keanu Reeves showed up to usher in the date for ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ and show us a look at the game" said Walker, adding "But I like to think across the board where we really delivered on our promise of showcasing a ton of great content that is playable on whatever device the gamers out there want to play it on."
