Microsoft is preparing to revolutionize the world of streaming gaming: according to sources close to the company, the Redmond giant is about to launch an ambitious project that will allow users to play streaming games they already own, on any compatible device, even if not included in the Xbox Game Pass subscription. The project, known internally as “Project Lapland”, has been in development for some time and has required a significant effort from Microsoft to enhance the Xbox Cloud Gaming infrastructure and make it capable of managing the streaming of thousands of games.
The first to experience this new feature will be Xbox Insiders, who will have access to the service on an experimental basis as early as November. Subsequently, the service will gradually be extended to all Xbox users, with an ever-expanding catalog of games. The news comes at the same time as another important turning point for mobile gaming: starting from November, Android users in the United States will be able to purchase games directly from the Xbox app. This possibility was made possible by a recent ruling that forces Google to allow alternative payment methods to Google Play Billing within the Play Store. “Starting in November, gamers will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly from the Xbox app on Android,” said Sarah Bond, president of Xbox. Once the Lapland project is completed, it will then be possible to purchase a game on Android and start playing it immediately via streaming on your smartphone or tablet, without having to download it.
Initially scheduled for 2020, support for the personal library on Xbox Cloud Gaming has encountered several difficulties, especially at an infrastructural level. Managing the streaming of thousands of games, rather than the hundreds currently available on Xbox Game Pass, required a significant technical effort. Additionally, some titles may be unavailable due to licensing restrictions or publisher agreements. Despite this, Microsoft is committed to offering as broad a catalog as possible. In addition to cloud gaming, Microsoft is also working on a new Xbox store accessible from mobile browsers, initially designed to offer discounts and game items, but which in the future will also include first-party titles. Testing for this web store began in August, and Microsoft has promised to provide more updates soon.