In an unexpected move, Microsoft announced its plan to bring PC Game Pass titles to Nvidia’s GeForce Now streaming service. The announcement was made by Sarah Bond, head of Xbox creator experience, during a private Xbox media briefing in Los Angeles. With this collaboration, Microsoft aims to make the PC Game Pass catalog accessible on all devices supported by Nvidia GeForce Now.
According to Joe Skrebels, editor in chief of Xbox Wire, the expansion will enable PC Game Pass subscribers to play their favorite titles on a wide range of devices, including low-spec PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, mobile devices, and even TVs. The rollout is expected to occur in the coming months, offering gamers the flexibility to enjoy their favorite PC Game Pass titles on various platforms.
While the exact scope of available games on GeForce Now remains unclear, members will have the opportunity to stream select PC games from the library. This development is significant for cloud gaming, as it allows PC Game Pass subscribers to leverage Nvidia’s advanced game streaming service, renowned for its impressive performance and low latency, including the RTX 4080 level of performance.
Moreover, this partnership extends beyond mere Microsoft Store support on GeForce Now. It encompasses the integration of the PC Game Pass subscription, enabling subscribers to access a broader range of gaming experiences through Nvidia’s platform. Nvidia had previously stated that Microsoft Store support on GeForce Now would become available in the near future, suggesting that the inclusion of PC Game Pass on GeForce Now may not be far off.
This collaboration between Microsoft and Nvidia is part of a larger agreement struck earlier this year. Microsoft’s 10-year agreement with Nvidia involved licensing Xbox PC games to GeForce Now, serving as a strategic move to address concerns raised by regulators regarding Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard. In addition to offering Xbox PC games, the agreement also includes access to Activision Blizzard titles, pending regulatory approval of the acquisition.
Despite regulatory challenges faced by Microsoft in the UK due to concerns over cloud competition, the company’s partnerships with multiple cloud gaming rivals, combined with the expansion of PC Game Pass availability on Nvidia’s GeForce Now, demonstrate its efforts to address these concerns. By leveraging the strengths of GeForce Now, Microsoft aims to showcase the benefits of its proposed Activision Blizzard acquisition, potentially influencing regulators’ perception of the deal.
