In addition to established gaming giants like Microsoft, up-and-comers like Netflix are also actively building “cloud gaming” experiences. With all the excitement in the market, it’s easy to forget that technology is still in its infancy. Take Microsoft, for example, the Redmond tech giant has been working hard to bring cutting-edge of cloud gaming to the masses through its Xbox Cloud Gaming service. Interested gamers will not only be able to get Game Pass Ultimate subscription privileges but can also experience it on mobile devices like Steam Deck and Samsung Smart TVs.
As the Washington Post noted in an article published Wednesday, Microsoft’s recent comments on the state of cloud gaming may come as a bit of a surprise to some.
In documents filed with the U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority, the company called cloud gaming a novel, and underdeveloped, technology — and the agency is currently launching a second round of investigations into Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard acquisition.
"Today's cloud gaming is still in its infancy and has not yet proven to be a widely accepted proposition by consumers, the article reads. Although not explicitly mentioned, we can't help but think of the recently announced shutdown of a competing service, Google Stadia. By contrast, cloud gaming is often touted in the market as the next big thing in the industry."
In addition, earlier this month, Catherine Gluckstein, vice president of Xbox Cloud Gaming, said in a statement that
"We are eager to see the continued growth of the space and look forward to supporting development studios, partners and other investors in the industry as it attracts more people to experience the game."
The PR tone at the time was much more optimistic, pointing out the various benefits that players could enjoy in the early stages of cloud gaming development, except that we shouldn’t expect it to become mainstream anytime soon.
