Microsoft has been experimenting with Project xCloud for some time now, which is essentially a video game streaming service similar to Google Stadia. So far, it has been unclear exactly how Microsoft would be implementing Project xCloud, but now it's been confirmed that Project xCloud will be added to the benefits that players get with their Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership starting in September, and at no additional cost.
What this means it that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will be able to play Xbox games wherever they want and even using devices like phones and tablets. This means that gamers will have a lot more freedom when it comes to when and where they play Xbox games. Google Stadia shows that fans may not be super interested in this capability by itself, but combining it with the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription seems like a great idea. This way fans aren't paying just for the service, and therefore more people may be willing to try it out.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the $15 per month subscription that also includes access to Xbox Live Gold benefits on top of the hundreds of Game Pass games. Throwing Project xCloud access on top of the subscription just makes it an even better deal, though it was already a steal as it gave players a discount when compared to subscribing to both Xbox Live Gold and Game Pass separately.
Some may be surprised that Microsoft didn't wait until its big July 23 event to make this announcement, but it could be a sign that the company will be focusing mainly on actual games at the show. Microsoft hasn't revealed much in the way of specifics when it comes to the July 23 event, but the company has confirmed that fans will get their first look at the Halo Infinite campaign gameplay at the show.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will be able to play Halo Infinite on day one at no extra charge, which is a another huge benefit of the service. All first-party Xbox games are available to Xbox Game Pass subscribers on launch day, which gives Xbox fans even more reason to sign up.
As Microsoft continues to expand the benefits of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, it will be interesting to see if its price goes up at all, especially since next-generation video games will be more expensive. Time will tell, but for now, fans can sign up for relatively cheap and enjoy significant benefits throughout the rest of 2020.