After a long wait, Xbox Cloud Gaming has officially launched in India, marking a significant step in expanding access to gaming for Indian players. This launch makes India the 29th country to receive Xbox's cloud gaming service. The service allows users to stream and play a vast library of games on various devices they already own, including Xbox consoles, PCs, handheld devices, mobile phones, and even select smart TVs and Amazon Fire TV devices.
With Xbox Cloud Gaming, Indian gamers can now enjoy titles like Call of Duty®: Black Ops 7, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Raji: An Ancient Epic, and various indie games without needing to download or install them. This eliminates the need for expensive gaming hardware, making gaming more accessible to a wider audience.
How to Get Started
Getting started with Xbox Cloud Gaming in India is straightforward:
- Devices: You can use a PC, phone, tablet, or handheld device.
- Browser: Open a supported browser such as Edge, Chrome, or Safari.
- Website: Go to xbox.com/play.
- Login: Sign in using your Xbox Game Pass account.
- Controller: Connect a supported controller, such as an Xbox, DualSense, or DualShock 4 controller via Bluetooth.
- Play: Start streaming and playing your favorite games.
Samsung TV users in India can also access Xbox Cloud Gaming by downloading the Xbox app on their TVs, signing in with their Microsoft account, and pairing a Bluetooth controller.
Subscription Options
Xbox Cloud Gaming is available through Xbox Game Pass subscriptions. There are different tiers to choose from, depending on your needs and preferences:
- Xbox Game Pass Essential: This tier includes access to over 50 games, unlimited cloud streaming, and online multiplayer. The plan starts at Rs. 499 per month in India.
- Xbox Game Pass Premium and Ultimate: These plans offer access to hundreds of games. The Ultimate tier also includes day one access to new titles. These are priced at Rs. 699 and Rs 1,389 respectively.
- PC Game Pass: This is priced at Rs. 939 per month.
The Game Pass catalog includes games across console, PC, and cloud, with new titles being added regularly. Subscribers also get in-game benefits for popular franchises like Call of Duty, Overwatch 2, and Riot Games titles.
Impact on the Indian Gaming Market
The launch of Xbox Cloud Gaming in India could significantly impact the country's gaming market. It provides an affordable way for gamers to access a wide range of games without investing in expensive hardware. This could lead to a surge in the number of gamers in India, especially in regions where console and PC gaming are not as prevalent.
Microsoft is entering a competitive cloud gaming market in India, with services like Nvidia's GeForce Now and local platforms like OnePlay and Jio Games Cloud already available. However, Xbox Cloud Gaming's extensive library of games and integration with the Xbox ecosystem could give it a competitive edge.
With the introduction of Xbox Cloud Gaming, Indian gamers have more options than ever before to enjoy their favorite games. Whether on a console, PC, mobile device, or smart TV, the world of Xbox gaming is now more accessible than ever.
