Microsoft and Amazon Introduce New Cloud Gaming Options.

Posted on by

Last week, two tech giants, Microsoft and Amazon, took steps to further move gaming to the cloud, with each company targeting a different segment of the (massive) gaming audience.

Microsoft is testing ad-supported cloud gaming.

Microsoft is testing a free (albeit ad-supported) cloud gaming model for Xbox games. Starting today, gamers signed up for Microsoft’s Xbox Insider program will be able to play cloud-compatible games from their library without a Game Pass Ultimate subscription. However, they will have to watch ads at the beginning of their session. Microsoft currently limits playtime to one hour per session; if you use up the entire time, you’ll be forced to watch even more ads. There’s no word yet on how long the testing will last.

Amazon is building games into Fire devices.

Meanwhile, Amazon announced it would integrate its cloud gaming service Luna directly into Prime Video—but only if you have a Fire TV device. Fire TV users will see a separate “Games” tab next to “Movies,” “TV Shows,” and “Sports.” They will be able to play games like Hogwarts Legacy, EA Sports FC 26 , and Clue for a fee included with their Prime subscription.

You may also like

Clearly, the two companies have different target audiences. Microsoft is targeting “hardcore” gamers who already have a library of games but might want to play them on additional devices like phones and laptops. Amazon, on the other hand, is targeting more casual gamers and is trying to bring its gaming offerings to as many users as possible. The company plans to feature its games on the same pages as games from well-known franchises like Harry Potter, so that someone might decide to play a quick game with a remote control before watching a movie.

How to help test Microsoft’s ad-supported cloud gaming service

If you have an Xbox, here’s how to try ad-supported cloud gaming.

What do you think at the moment?

  • Download the Xbox Insider Hub app on your Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or Windows PC.

  • Sign up for the Xbox Insider program. It’s free.

  • That’s it! Now you can stream your favorite cloud-compatible games (after watching ads, of course).

How to evaluate Amazon Luna gaming service

If you have a Prime subscription, you can already try Luna . The company isn’t adding any additional content for Fire TV users; it’s simply changing the way the games are presented. Here’s how.

  • First, you’ll need an Amazon Fire device. This could be a Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Cube, or a smart TV running the Fire TV operating system.

  • In the main menu, you should see a new tab called “Games”.

  • Click and go! Pro tip: Play Indiana Jones and the Great Circle because it’s amazing.

  • Luna games can be played with any Bluetooth controller or using your phone as a controller.

More…

Gaming

Leave a Reply