Cloud gaming: Microsoft brings gaming to GeForce Now

Microsoft is bringing its video games to its GeForce Now cloud gaming service in the future. The deal calls for Microsoft’s PC game releases to be made available on Nvidia’s cloud service, allowing them to be streamed on all compatible devices — including PCs, Chromebooks, and mobile devices.

The contract is part of a glamorous offensive from Microsoft, which sees itself facing off against skeptical surveillance gangs over its planned takeover of Activision Blizzard. Microsoft announced its agreement with Nvidia after a closed-door meeting with EU antitrust authorities in Brussels, where rival Sony again argued against the takeover. In the US, the Federal Trade Commission has already sued the deal. Meanwhile, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has expressed concern that the takeover could harm players.

For Microsoft, that means more compromises. Also after the non-public meeting, Microsoft presented a contract with Nintendo, according to which “Call of Duty” games must also appear for the Nintendo Switch after the planned acquisition – a project that Microsoft announced last December.

With “Fallout” and “Elder Scrolls”

The fact that Microsoft also wants to work with Nvidia is new information. The move is notable because Microsoft offers its own cloud gaming option with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. GeForce Now lets you stream titles already in your library. Games do not need to be purchased separately. Whether games installed via Microsoft’s Game Pass game subscription can also be played on GeForce Now is an open question. Nvidia did not want to answer this question to the American technology magazine The Verge.

For this Nvidia confirmed to The VergeThat in addition to existing Microsoft games such as “Halo”, “Forza Motorsport”, “Fallout”, “Elder Scrolls” and “Minecraft”, all Activision games from the Battle.net platform should also be available on GeForce Now, the deal between Microsoft and Activision. This includes the shooters of the “Call of Duty” series. After the launch of GeForce Now, Microsoft was still actively removing its games from Nvidia’s cloud gaming service to bolster its own cloud service.

While Microsoft has managed to win over two gaming powerhouses due to its agenda with Nvidia and Nintendo, Sony is fighting the deal pretty hard. Microsoft is stirring up temperamental competition against the planned acquisition of Activision both before and behind the scenes. Sony has rejected an offer from Microsoft to guarantee a ten-year contract for the “Call of Duty” series for Playstation consoles. Playstation CEO Jim Ryan said it was “insufficient on several levels”.

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