History of Xbox Cloud Gaming in Timeline

Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly known as xCloud) is a cloud gaming service from Microsoft, available to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers at no extra cost. Launched in beta in November 2019 and officially released on September 15, 2020, it allows users to stream and play Xbox games on various devices by connecting to remote servers. This eliminates the need for expensive hardware, enabling gaming on smartphones, tablets, and other compatible devices.

2016: Cloud Service Ideas within Microsoft

Around 2016, the ideas for the cloud service came within Microsoft around the same time that Kareem Choudhry developed the Xbox 360 backwards compatibility for the Xbox One.

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October 2018: Project xCloud Announced

In October 2018, Microsoft formally announced Project xCloud.

2018: Initial Server Configuration

In 2018, the initial hardware configuration of Xbox Cloud Gaming servers included four customized Xbox One S-based units for the teaser.

March 2019: Project xCloud Demonstrated

In March 2019, Microsoft demonstrated Project xCloud using Forza Horizon 4 on an Android smartphone with an Xbox One controller.

May 2019: Project xCloud Home Testing Phase

In May 2019, Project xCloud entered its home testing phase, allowing usage outside the lab environment.

October 2019: Service Trials Begin

In October 2019, trials of the Xbox Cloud Gaming service began.

November 2019: Service Hosts 50 Games

As of November 2019, the Xbox Cloud Gaming service hosted 50 games, with support in testing for Apple Inc.'s iOS mobile devices and Sony Interactive Entertainment's DualShock controllers.

November 2019: Xbox Cloud Gaming Beta Release

In November 2019, Xbox Cloud Gaming was initially released in beta testing.

2019: Server Configuration at Launch

In 2019, the server configuration for the Xbox Cloud Gaming service's launch was doubled to eight Xbox One S-based units per server in a 2U enclosure.

February 12, 2020: Project xCloud Launches on iOS

On February 12, 2020, Project xCloud launched in preview on Apple’s mobile operating system.

May 5, 2020: Project xCloud Launches in Spain

On May 5, 2020, Project xCloud was launched in preview in Spain (Europe).

August 2020: Halt of iOS Testing

In August 2020, Microsoft halted iOS testing for xCloud, citing Apple App Store policies that limited functionality. Apple clarified that cloud streaming services like xCloud bypass the normal checks, leading to the refusal to allow the app on the platform.

September 15, 2020: Xbox Cloud Gaming Launch

On September 15, 2020, Xbox Cloud Gaming officially launched for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, providing cloud gaming at no additional cost.

September 2020: Apple Alters Rules for Cloud Gaming Apps

In September 2020, Apple altered its rules to allow xCloud and other cloud gaming apps on iOS with restrictions that each game must be offered as an individual download on the iOS store. Microsoft responded negatively to this change.

October 2020: Potential Browser-Based iOS Solution

In October 2020, Microsoft considered making each game its own application to satisfy Apple's requirements. Microsoft suggested it may bring xCloud to iOS as a browser-based web application to work around Apple's restrictions.

March 2021: Cloud Play Support for Original Xbox and Xbox 360 Titles

In March 2021, Microsoft introduced cloud play support for selected original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles using its backward compatibility program, starting with 16 titles such as Crimson Skies®: High Road to Revenge™.

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March 2021: Update to Android Xbox Cloud Gaming Client

In March 2021, Microsoft released an update to the Android Xbox Cloud Gaming client that allows dual-screened devices like the Surface Duo to use the second screen to host the touch controls. Several notable games such as Minecraft Dungeons and New Super Lucky's Tale support the dedicated gamepad on the second screen.

April 20, 2021: Invite-Only Beta Test of Browser Version

On April 20, 2021, an invite-only beta test of the browser version of Xbox Cloud Gaming started.

June 2021: Transition to Xbox Series X-based Servers

In June 2021, Microsoft began transitioning Xbox Cloud Gaming hardware from Xbox One S-based servers to Xbox Series X-based servers.

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June 28, 2021: Full Version Release for Xbox Game Pass Subscribers

On June 28, 2021, the full browser-based version of Xbox Cloud Gaming was released for all Xbox Game Pass subscribers.

August 9, 2021: Xbox Cloud Gaming Beta for Windows Users

On August 9, 2021, Xbox Cloud Gaming was released in its beta form for Windows users as a perk of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, requiring users to be registered in the Xbox Insider program.

September 14, 2021: Official Release on Xbox App for Windows

On September 14, 2021, Xbox Cloud Gaming was officially released as part of the Xbox app for Windows, along with Remote Play support from Xbox consoles to a Windows computer.

September 2021: Expansion to New Regions

In September 2021, Microsoft expanded Xbox Cloud Gaming to Australia, Brazil, Japan, and Mexico.

October 2021: Xbox Cloud Gaming Testing on Xbox One Consoles

In October 2021, Microsoft began rolling out testing of Xbox Cloud Gaming for Xbox One consoles on test channels, allowing users on those consoles to play Xbox Series X/S games.

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November 17, 2021: Cloud Gaming on Xbox Consoles

On November 17, 2021, cloud gaming was made available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S consoles, allowing Xbox One users to play games that are only able to run on the Series X/S consoles.

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2021: Server Blades Upgraded to Xbox Series X Hardware

In 2021, Microsoft upgraded its server blades for Xbox Cloud Gaming to the more capable Xbox Series X hardware.

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May 2022: Streaming Device Development

In May 2022, Microsoft confirmed that a streaming device was in development under the codename Keystone.

June 2022: Further Expansion to Argentina and New Zealand

In June 2022, Xbox Cloud Gaming was expanded further to include Argentina and New Zealand.

July 2022: Launch on Samsung Smart TVs and Smart Monitors

In July 2022, Xbox Cloud Gaming was launched on select Samsung Smart TVs and Smart Monitors via the Xbox app, with support for Bluetooth controllers.

November 2022: Ceasing Development of Keystone

By November 2022, Microsoft ceased development of the Keystone streaming device due to its high cost compared to the Xbox Series S.

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