On December 26, Microsoft confirmed that its Game Pass cloud streaming platform was experiencing issues, causing frustration among players. Even after more than 24 hours, users continue to face long waits and disconnections. This disruption coincides with Microsoft’s recent marketing campaign, suggesting that everything connected to the internet is essentially an Xbox.
The Impact of the Game Pass Outage
Engadget reported that users started experiencing delays and disconnects around 12:00 p.m. ET on Thursday while attempting to access games through Xbox’s cloud streaming service. This service, available to Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, allows them to play a vast array of games on various devices such as tablets, phones, and TVs. As of 4:30 p.m. ET today, there is no clear timeline from Xbox on when the streaming service will be fully operational again.
Updates from Xbox Support
Approximately an hour after the outage began on December 26, Xbox support acknowledged the issues with launching Cloud Gaming titles. Users were directed to monitor the official Xbox status page for any developments. Unfortunately, there has been minimal improvement since then.
Xbox’s Response on December 27
On December 27 at 10 a.m. ET, Xbox issued an update stating that users may encounter extended wait times when initiating a game on the cloud, but these times might not be accurate. Despite this announcement, it appears that many users are still unable to connect and play games on their mobile devices or other platforms. By 3:30 p.m. ET, the Xbox support page mentioned that they are close to resolving the issue.
The Impact on Users
This outage comes at a critical time when Xbox has been promoting the idea that cloud streaming could serve as a viable alternative to owning a console. Many Game Pass subscribers, particularly those with smartphones or smart TVs, were enticed by the prospect of instant game streaming. However, this incident serves as a stark reminder that while phones can stream games, they are not a substitute for an Xbox that can function offline.
Conclusion
As Xbox works to resolve the ongoing issues with its cloud streaming service, users are reminded of the limitations of streaming games on non-console devices. The outage highlights the importance of having an Xbox for offline gaming capabilities, contrary to the convenience of cloud streaming. Perhaps, clearer communication is needed in future marketing efforts to manage user expectations.
FAQs
Q: How long has the Game Pass cloud streaming platform been experiencing issues?
A: The issues were confirmed by Microsoft on December 26 and persist even after more than 24 hours.
Q: Who can access Xbox’s cloud streaming service?
A: The service is available to Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, allowing them to play a variety of games on different devices.
Q: Is there a timeline for when the streaming service will be fully operational again?
A: As of the latest update, there is no clear timeline from Xbox on when the issues will be resolved.
Credit: kotaku.com
