This is a small revolution for the video game industry. From June 30, Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass service will be available directly from Samsung’s latest smart TVs (2022 models). The application will be in the “Samsung Gaming Hub” tab.
In particular, the owners of these TVs will be able to play the latest blockbusters from Microsoft (Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, Flight Simulator:…) as well as hundreds of recent video games without the need to purchase an Xbox console. This saves several hundred euros. Instead, they should buy a subscription. The latter is 12.99 euros per month, with a 1 euro promotion for the first 3 months for this start.
Microsoft’s offer is based on cloud gaming technology, that is, streaming technology used for video games. It is better to subscribe to fiber to get the most out of this service. Samsung TV owners will also be able to play the game Fortnite: without subscribing.
You need a wireless controller to use Game Pass games. It may be the Xbox brand, but not only. Sony PlayStation 4 or 5 controllers are also compatible. All wireless headphones will work as well.
Eliminate the obligation to purchase a console
The installation of the Game Pass on Samsung TVs demonstrates Microsoft’s long-term strategy. He chose a powerful partner for the launch. One in three TVs sold in the world is Samsung, and in some countries the market share in some countries exceeds 40%. The American group is betting on the growth of cloud games to expand its customer base. In particular, he turns his attention to southern countries such as India or Latin America, which love video games, but where it is impossible to imagine buying expensive consoles in many homes.
Offering quality panel games with a TV directly connected, but with a smartphone or an entry-level PC will eliminate this major hurdle. However, Microsoft’s strategy depends on the location of և 5G fiber optic networks in these areas. Its cloud service is now available in 19 countries, including France.
The American giant is collaborating with other manufacturers of connected TVs. Its Game Pass service, which is also available on the Xbox console, PC and smartphone, currently has 25 million subscribers.
Demonstrations of games being developed in Game Pass coming soon
Microsoft has announced that its Game Pass subscription in 2023 will be enriched with demo versions of games under development (“demo”). The group explains that it wants to replicate the experience of video game fairs, where the public can try for about ten minutes titles that will not be released for several months. The studios will be paid to create these screenings և will receive usage data.
In addition, by the end of the year, subscribers will be able to play streaming video games that they have purchased, which are not part of the Game Pass catalog. This will allow you to keep your game moving.
Source: Le Figaro
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.