I was going to to post the Digital Foundry analysis video. Some of the advantages the tech has really offer an opportunity for something different (jump in with streamers, play from a point of a YT video, instant loading etc.). I love the fixed 'virtual spec'. It feels like the first of the next gen systems has launched with similar specifications to Sony and Microsoft's next machines.
It will be interesting to see where this goes. I think the reaction to pricing is telling. On ResetEra the vast majority will only consider a subscription based service, however I'm not sure that will work for publishers. Consumers are going to have to get used to paying for full price games on these streaming services, in a similar vein to how you buy movies on Amazon Prime or Google Play store. That said very few on ResetEra (or here) are probably the target audience. Margins on this service are going to be worse for publishers unless I'm missing something although some industry veterans leading this.
However I do think that the advantage Microsoft (and Sony) has are their trojan horses with established console and brands. MS can build xCloud into Game Pass, Xbox Live Gold or Play Anywhere if it wants to. Certainly run lots of offers via those even if it is a seperate premium subscription.
The whole thing feels a bit early though. Very little detail; unclear on hardware platforms (i.e. no iPad), no pricing, no exclusive killer app and a new studio that appears to be in gestation or infancy. I think having this would have been more impactful. It still makes me think Google are reacting to Microsoft xCloud rather than the other way around.
But the games being instant (or near instant) is definitely one of the main advantages. No 92GB day one 'patches' or system updates. And each developer can eat into petabytes of storage rather than be worried about install sizes.
It will be interesting to see where this goes. I think the reaction to pricing is telling. On ResetEra the vast majority will only consider a subscription based service, however I'm not sure that will work for publishers. Consumers are going to have to get used to paying for full price games on these streaming services, in a similar vein to how you buy movies on Amazon Prime or Google Play store. That said very few on ResetEra (or here) are probably the target audience. Margins on this service are going to be worse for publishers unless I'm missing something although some industry veterans leading this.
However I do think that the advantage Microsoft (and Sony) has are their trojan horses with established console and brands. MS can build xCloud into Game Pass, Xbox Live Gold or Play Anywhere if it wants to. Certainly run lots of offers via those even if it is a seperate premium subscription.
The whole thing feels a bit early though. Very little detail; unclear on hardware platforms (i.e. no iPad), no pricing, no exclusive killer app and a new studio that appears to be in gestation or infancy. I think having this would have been more impactful. It still makes me think Google are reacting to Microsoft xCloud rather than the other way around.
Originally posted by Superman Falls
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