Microsoft expands Xbox Cloud Gaming to more players with Game Pass Core and Standard

Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft's very popular game-streaming service, is and will be more accessible. Microsoft has announced that Game Pass Core and Game Pass Standard subscribers (those who pay $10/month or $15/month, respectively) can now try cloud gaming and even experience some PC titles.

Previously, cloud gaming had been limited to the highest tier, or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ($19.99/month). The update is part of an Xbox Insider test that allows players with lower-tier subscriptions to stream the cloud games that are included in their plan or that they already own.

This is a great chance for more gamers to experience the convenience of streaming and not play games that have to be downloaded as long as they are part of the Insider programme.

“As part of this Insider experience, Xbox Game Pass Core and Standard subscribers will be able to stream cloud-playable games included with their subscription or select cloud-playable games they own,” the Xbox Insider team explained in an official statement.

Along with the cloud gaming, Microsoft is also exploring separating PC games from console games and allowing these subscribers PC game access to these titles for the first time. This will allow Xbox Insiders Game Pass Core / Game Pass Standard subscribers to use the PC version of select games, allowing players more options if they want to play on a Windows PC or handheld device.

This trial updating follows Microsoft dropping clues that they want to provide "more affordable" versions of accessing cloud gaming, which could eventually include a completely free version supported by ads.

To try out Xbox Cloud Gaming and PC games on Game Pass Core or Standard, users can join the Xbox Insiders programme and head to xbox.com/play or use the Xbox app on Windows.