Meta and Microsoft have announced a partnership that will bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to the Meta Quest Store, allowing users to stream hundreds of games to their VR headsets. This is a major development for the VR industry, as it will enable users to access console and PC-level gaming without any additional hardware.
Xbox Cloud Gaming is a feature that lets subscribers of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate stream games from the cloud to various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, PCs, and smart TVs. Users can play games without downloading or installing them, as long as they have a fast and stable internet connection and a compatible controller.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is a subscription service that offers access to over 100 games, including exclusive titles like Forza Motorsport, Starfield, and Halo Infinite, as well as popular games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and FIFA 22. The service costs $14.99 per month and also includes Xbox Live Gold, EA Play, and other perks.
How will it work on Meta Quest?
According to a post on the Oculus Blog, Xbox Cloud Gaming will be available on the Meta Quest Store through a Game Pass app. Users will be able to browse and launch games from the app, which will display them on a 2D screen in VR. The screen will be like having a private movie theater available at all times, according to the blog post.
Users will need an Xbox controller connected to their Meta Quest headset to play the games. They will also need a Meta account and a Game Pass Ultimate subscription. The app will support both Meta Quest and Meta Quest 2 devices, and will also work with the upcoming Meta Quest 3, which will feature mixed reality capabilities.
The app is expected to launch in December 2023, but no exact date has been announced yet. Meta and Microsoft said they will share more details as soon as possible.
Why is this important for VR?
The partnership between Meta and Microsoft is a significant milestone for the VR industry, as it will expand the gaming options for VR users and attract more gamers to the platform. VR gaming has traditionally been limited by the hardware and software requirements of the devices, which often resulted in lower-quality graphics, performance, and content compared to console and PC gaming.
By bringing Xbox Cloud Gaming to Meta Quest, users will be able to enjoy high-quality games on a big virtual screen, without compromising on the immersion and interactivity of VR. This will also reduce the need for users to switch between different devices and platforms, as they will be able to access all their games from one place.
The partnership also shows the growing collaboration and convergence between the VR and cloud gaming sectors, which are both seen as the future of gaming. Meta and Microsoft are not the only companies working on this front, as other players like Google, Amazon, and Nvidia are also developing their own cloud gaming services and VR devices.
What are the challenges and opportunities?
While the partnership between Meta and Microsoft is exciting, it also comes with some challenges and opportunities. One of the main challenges is the internet connectivity, which is essential for cloud gaming. Users will need a fast and reliable internet connection to stream games without lag, latency, or buffering. This may not be available or affordable for everyone, especially in developing regions.
Another challenge is the compatibility and quality of the games. Not all games may be suitable or enjoyable for VR, as some may cause motion sickness, discomfort, or boredom. Users may also prefer to play some games in 3D rather than 2D, which may require additional development and optimization from the game developers and publishers.
On the other hand, the partnership also offers some opportunities for innovation and creativity. One of the opportunities is the mixed reality feature, which will be available on the Meta Quest 3. This will allow users to blend the virtual and physical worlds, and interact with both in real time. This could create new and immersive ways to play games, such as using real objects as controllers, or seeing virtual characters in the real environment.
Another opportunity is the social aspect of gaming, which is one of the main goals of Meta. Users will be able to connect and play with other gamers across the world, regardless of their device or platform. They will also be able to create and share their own gaming experiences, using tools like Horizon Worlds and Horizon Venues. This could foster a sense of community and engagement among VR users and gamers.
