Microsoft Is Developing A Netflixlike Streaming Service For Xbox Games

Microsoft is building an online streaming service similar to Netflix for video games. The service promises to bring 'console-quality gaming to any device'. SYSTEM32

The company based in Redmond claims that gamers will be able to stream blockbuster titles to their Xbox smartphone, laptop or computer.

It's unclear if players will have to pay for specific games, or be able to access the entire library for a monthly fee like video on-demand services.

Microsoft doesn't believe streaming will completely replace dedicated consoles However, the company teased that new Xbox hardware was in the development.

Microsoft is creating an online video game streaming service that will bring console-quality gaming to all devices. During its E3 presentation, Microsoft also announced 50 new games for fans - a record for the Redmond-based company.

Xbox boss Phil Spencer also teased the forthcoming video game streaming service, which Spencer claims will be able to 'unlock console-quality gaming on any device'

Microsoft's Executive President of Gaming Phil Spencer spoke at the E3 press conference in Los Angeles to reveal its plans to build a cloud-based service.

Spencer said: "Our cloud engineers are working on a gaming streaming network that will enable console-quality gaming on any device.

'We are dedicated to perfecting your experience wherever you wish to play - on your Xbox, your PC and your smartphone.'

This method, referred to as Cloud Gaming, allows players to access a vast library of games without the need to download or install every game.

Cloud gaming lets console-quality games to run on less powerful devices such as smartphones. All the heavy lifting is performed on a server , not on the device used by the player.

This is quite different from traditional console games, which have to process all the data on the disc locally, and therefore require powerful chipsets and fan systems.

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Xbox boss Spencer didn't reveal a launch date for the service on-stage, although he has previously teased that Microsoft's game streaming could be launched prior to 2020.

The company is not the only one to have shown an interest in a service that streams games, with rival PlayStation already offering gamers the possibility of streaming games to their devices.

PlayStation Now is a subscription service that costs PS12.99 ($20 per month) and allows players to stream more than 500 titles to their PlayStation 4 or Windows PC.

Sony launched its cloud gaming service following it acquired rival services Gaikai and OnLive.

Microsoft hasn't given up on its hardware plans, despite the focus being on videogame streaming.

It's not clear if users will need to pay to access individual titles, or if they will be able to play the entire library for a monthly fee, much like Netflix

Microsoft has revealed plans to create Xbox hardware with new consoles planned despite teasers of streaming services.

Xbox boss Phil Spencer remained tight-lipped on any specifics about the forthcoming console, however, the executive did reveal that backwards-compatibility with older video games would play significant role for the new hardware

Phil Spencer used the E3 keynote to tease the follow-up to the Xbox One, with hints that Microsoft might have a variety of new consoles in the works.

He also said that the same team that provided unparalleled performance with Xbox One X was deeply in the process of designing the next Xbox consoles. This will allow them to once again fulfill their commitment to console gaming.

Spencer remained tight-lipped on any specifics about the console, however, the executive did reveal that backwards-compatibility with Xbox One games would play significant role for the new hardware.

Eurogamer was told by him: "When you think about the next wave of hardware, a lot of the big, massive games currently played will still be in play when the next hardware comes out."

It's unlikely that you'll see an "2" after all those because people are trying to get you to the next version of the games. In the older model of games being shipped playing and moving on - a console switch was an easy step-function.

'We went through it with Minecraft. We didn't release Minecraft 2 on Xbox One to try to compel everybody to move to the next console, because that's not what Minecraft users want. They just want Minecraft to get better.

"When you think of games like Fortnite or PUBG you think of the massive games and ecosystems that are coming out, when new hardware arrives players will want to play these games and it's going be important for us to support these games.

Microsoft has revealed Halo Infinite the latest version of the popular Halo series. It will only be available on Xbox-branded consoles

Microsoft also showcased an unprecedented number of brand new games to its fans during its E3 presentation.

The company has released a range of exclusive titles, including new entries in its Halo and Gears of War series.

Spencer has described the list of new games as the company's 'most diverse gaming portfolio ever'.