History of Xbox Cloud Gaming in Timeline
Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly known as xCloud) is Microsoft's cloud gaming service, launched in beta in 2019 and fully released in September 2020 for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. It allows users to play Xbox games on various devices by streaming them from remote servers, eliminating the need for local downloads and installations. This service is included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at no extra cost, expanding gaming accessibility to devices like mobile phones, tablets, and PCs.
2016: Microsoft conceives cloud gaming service
Around 2016, Microsoft conceived the idea for a cloud gaming service, coinciding with Kareem Choudhry's development of Xbox 360 backwards compatibility for Xbox One. Choudhry envisioned providing games without a console and received approval from Spencer to explore the feasibility of cloud gaming.
May 2019: Project xCloud Home Testing Phase
In May 2019, Project xCloud entered its home testing phase, allowing it to be used outside the lab environment.
2019: Eight Xbox One S units per server at launch
In 2019 at launch, each server was configured with eight customized Xbox One S-based units in a 2U enclosure.
February 12, 2020: Project xCloud launches on Apple's mobile operating system in preview
On February 12, 2020, Project xCloud launched on Apple's mobile operating system in a preview version.
September 2020: Apple alters rules for cloud gaming apps
In September 2020, Apple altered its rules allowing xCloud and other cloud gaming apps on iOS with restrictions, requiring each game to be offered as an individual download on the iOS store before playing. Microsoft responded negatively to this change.
October 2020: Microsoft considers individual game apps for iOS
In October 2020, Microsoft considered the possibility of making each game its own application to satisfy Apple's requirements. Microsoft also 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 with 16 titles available. Players can use cloud-based saved games from the original releases if they used Xbox Live Gold, and some games support touch controls on mobile devices.
March 2021: Dual-Screen Support for 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. Games like Minecraft Dungeons and New Super Lucky's Tale support this feature.
September 14, 2021: Official Release of Xbox Cloud Gaming 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. Microsoft also introduced a Clarity Boost feature for Windows users through the Edge browser.
November 17, 2021: Cloud Gaming on Xbox One and Series X/S Consoles
On November 17, 2021, cloud gaming was made available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S consoles, enabling Xbox One users to play games exclusive to the Series X/S.
June 2022: Expansion to Argentina and New Zealand
In June 2022, Xbox Cloud Gaming service was expanded further to include Argentina and New Zealand.
November 2022: Development of Keystone streaming device ceased
By November 2022, Microsoft ceased development of the Keystone streaming device, citing cost concerns compared to the Xbox Series S.
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