It is a difficult time to create video games, and thecoronavirusis impacting a lot of companies and how they work. It seems thatXboxand Microsoft have a solution to this problem, which may have a lasting impact on how developers test titles for future Xbox consoles.
TheXbox Series X has already boasted impressive technologyand it seems that alongside the development of the console, there has also been an investment in cloud gaming. Project xCloudseemingly allows remote teams to test games on the consoles through the cloud and some significant players in the gaming market are supporting the technology going forward. With that in mind, it will be interesting if the technology gives Xbox an advantage as the pandemic continues.
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The idea behind Project xCloud is relatively simple: it allows developers to test games with low latency and gives them the development kits that are usually only available in offices. The project was initially started with players in mind so that they could remotely access games but this use for the tool seems to have a more immediate impact and it could encourage more developers to team up withXbox.
Microsoft has explained how developers can use the technology, “By giving developers access to our PC Content Test App (PC CTA) they can remotely connect to their Xbox Development Kits from their PC, allowing them to test, play and iterate as if they were in the office. It also prevents them from having to download daily builds to local hardware in the home, which can often take hours.” It seems that this service will not only make it easier for developers to continue working on games, but it also may save them money in terms of hardware costs.
Major developers including Infinity Ward, Ninja Theory, and Eidos Montreal are already using the technology. The technology allows developers to work on more builds and many will hope it means that games will continue to be delivered. Interestingly this technology is similar to that which is the basis for thepoorly received Google Stadiaand the platform may be in danger if Microsoft and Xbox continue to make strides in the cloud gaming industry.
It will be interesting to see if Xbox andMicrosoft manage to use Project xCloudto reduce the need for Stadia while promoting the next-generation of consoles. Either way, it seems that Microsoft is helping teams to develop titles with impressive technology which will undoubtedly lead to long-term success for later systems.
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