Microsoft is bringing PC Game Pass integration to GeForce Now cloud gaming
June 27, 2023In an exciting announcement, Microsoft revealed its plan to expand the availability of PC Game Pass titles by partnering with Nvidia's GeForce Now streaming service. Sarah Bond, head of Xbox creator experience, unveiled this development during a private Xbox media briefing in Los Angeles. The move is set to revolutionise cloud gaming, providing PC Game Pass subscribers with access to Nvidia's powerful game streaming service where characters can react to your speech, enabling them to enjoy the service on various devices.
According to Joe Skrebels, Xbox Wire editor-in-chief, the expansion will allow users to play their PC Game Pass catalogue on any device supported by Nvidia GeForce Now. This means that low-spec PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, mobile devices, TVs, and more will all be compatible. The rollout of this feature is expected to take place in the coming months.
While the exact details are yet to be confirmed, it is anticipated that GeForce Now members will have the opportunity to stream select PC games from the library, so it doesn’t look like it will be the full catalogue. Nevertheless, the collaboration is significant, as it grants PC Game Pass subscribers access to Nvidia's GeForce Now service, renowned for its superior performance and low latency. In comparison tests, the RTX 4080 tier of GeForce Now outperformed Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming service.
Moreover, this partnership expands beyond mere access to the Microsoft Store. It encompasses the integration of the PC Game Pass subscription with GeForce Now. Nvidia had previously announced plans to support the Microsoft Store on its streaming service in the near future, suggesting that PC Game Pass availability on GeForce Now may arrive sooner than anticipated.
This joint effort between the two custom software development companies, Microsoft and Nvidia, is part of a larger collaboration initiated after Microsoft signed a 10-year agreement with Nvidia. The agreement grants Nvidia the licence to include Xbox PC games on GeForce Now. The move was intended to address concerns raised by regulators regarding Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard. If the acquisition gains regulatory approval, it will also extend access to Activision Blizzard titles on GeForce Now.
Although UK regulators have currently blocked the Activision Blizzard deal due to concerns surrounding competition in the cloud gaming market, Microsoft's unexpected decision to offer its PC Game Pass subscription on a rival service like GeForce Now might help sway the regulators' decision. This surprising move demonstrates Microsoft's willingness to collaborate and provide greater accessibility to its gaming services while addressing regulatory concerns. Gamers can anticipate the arrival of PC Game Pass on GeForce Now in the near future.
