Microsoft announced Tuesday that it’s bringing popular cloud gaming serviceXbox Game Passto Meta’s Quest 2 platform, however it didn’t yet offer a release date. The two companies announced the new partnership during Tuesday’s Meta Connect event. This will be the first timeXbox Game Passhas been available on a wireless, stand-alone virtual reality platform.
Microsoft and Meta were quick to clarify that gamers won’t be able to play all the titles in virtual reality. “You’ll be able to play 2D games with your Xbox controller projected on a massive screen on Quest,” Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said during the event.Xbox Game Pass is always adding new games, so Quest 2 owners will have an ever evolving library to choose from.
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Having hundreds of games on a massive virtual screen is exciting, and another way for Microsoft to grow its cloud platform, especially with Google Stadia shutting down. Microsoft and Meta are also working toward greater integration of the Quest 2 with other Microsoft applications, such as Microsoft 365. Microsoft also pointed out that while fans won’t be able to playHalo Infinitein VR just yet, the popular game will be available on the Quest 2, along with the rest of the XboxGame Pass library. The game streaming service has been lucrative, withXbox Game Pass earning Microsoft nearly $3 billion last year alone. Given the popularity of the cloud platform, it’s clear why Microsoft is seeking to expand its reach.
With three new games coming to Xbox Game Pass on October 11, and highly anticipatedA Plague Tale: Requiemarriving on October 18th, both Meta and Microsoft picked a perfect time to share the news. Many gamers consider Xbox Game Pass the premiere game streaming service, rivaling Sony’s PS Plus, as XBOX boasts day-one access to new titles and compatibility with a host of platforms.
