Microsoft and Nvidia's collaboration in cloud gaming

January 31, 2024

In a bold move set to reshape the gaming landscape, two prominent custom software development companies, Microsoft and Nvidia, have officially joined forces, unveiling a decade-long partnership to introduce Xbox PC games to Nvidia's cloud gaming service, GeForce NOW. With a global membership exceeding 25 million across 100 countries, this collaboration aims to redefine how gamers experience their favourite titles.

The groundbreaking deal allows gamers to seamlessly stream Xbox PC games from GeForce NOW to an array of devices, including PCs, macOS, Chromebooks, smartphones, and more. Furthermore, it paves the way for the inclusion of Activision Blizzard PC titles, including the iconic 'Call of Duty’ series, once Microsoft's acquisition of Activision is finalised.

Read more: Sony reveals it has started testing internal testing of PS5 games via cloud streaming.

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer emphasised the commitment to providing players with diverse choices and expanding gaming accessibility. Spencer stated: "This partnership will help grow Nvidia’s catalogue of titles to include games like Call of Duty, while giving software developers more ways to offer streaming games. We are excited to offer gamers more ways to play the games they love".

Jeff Fisher, Senior Vice President for GeForce at NVIDIA, highlighted the synergy between Xbox's extensive game catalogue and GeForce NOW's cutting-edge streaming capabilities. "Combining the incredibly rich catalogue of Xbox first-party games with GeForce NOW’s high-performance streaming capabilities will propel cloud gaming into a mainstream offering that appeals to gamers at all levels of interest and experience", - Fisher explained.

As part of this collaboration, NVIDIA will actively support Microsoft's regulatory approval process for the Activision Blizzard acquisition, addressing any concerns raised. The immediate focus will be on integrating Xbox PC games into GeForce NOW, allowing members to stream games directly from the Windows Store, including third-party partner titles. This integration also extends to Xbox PC games available on other platforms like Steam or Epic Games Store.

The announcement, made during a press conference in Brussels, Belgium, marks a pivotal moment for the gaming industry. The partnership aligns with Microsoft's broader strategy of expanding its gaming ecosystem, creating a more inclusive and accessible gaming experience for enthusiasts worldwide.

Both companies will commence work promptly to seamlessly integrate Xbox PC games into GeForce NOW, opening up a new realm of possibilities for cloud gaming. Gamers can stay tuned for updates on Microsoft's upcoming game releases, with release dates regularly shared on GeForce NOW's GFN Thursday updates.