Microsoft has released some interesting information about its plans for Game Pass and cloud-based game streaming in a wide-ranging new presentation on its gaming business.The announcement most relevant to PC gamers is that Microsoft plans to add cloud gaming capabilities to its PC Xbox app for the Xbox, which will add cloud gaming capabilities to the Xbox app for the PC, and will incorporate the streaming service currently available in beta for the browser into a centralized app.

This means that in addition to using the Xbox app to browse and download games, Game Pass subscribers will be able to play games with a single click, with no installation required.

The Xbox Cloud Gaming Beta, which is currently underway, will be open to all Game Pass Ultimate members in supported countries "in the coming weeks" (more countries will be added later this year, including Australia). Xbox Cloud Streaming quality will also be improved. All of this will be powered by the latest generation of Xbox Series X hardware," said Kareem Choudhry, CVP of Cloud Gaming.

When playing on a PC, I will almost always prefer a local copy of the game. That way, I can take better advantage of the 144Hz monitor without sacrificing streaming quality or latency. Some of the other plans for streaming that Microsoft touched on are more interesting: it is clear that Microsoft has great ambitions to expand Game Pass beyond the typical PC and console player.

Microsoft is working with TV companies to add the Game Pass app "directly to your Internet-connected TV, so all you need is a controller to play," said Liz Hamlen, CVP of gaming experiences and platforms. Amazon's Fire Stick and Apple TV competitor, but it's gaming-specific.

"We're also developing a standalone streaming device that can connect to a TV or monitor, so if you have a strong Internet connection, you can stream the Xbox experience," Hamlen said. She also allayed fears that Microsoft might be focusing all its efforts on cloud gaming, noting that Microsoft is already hard at work "on new hardware and platforms" for future consoles.

Microsoft spent most of the presentation hyping cloud technologies like Azure, the potential for streaming to reach billions of players, and how Game Pass will be an important part of their future plans. However, there was at least some mention of the PC.

"As we pursue financial growth and user engagement, we will certainly do more on the PC," said Xbox CFO Tim Stuart.

"With Xbox Games Studios games and Bethesda games coming to PC, we see continued growth on PC next year. At the same time, Game Pass for PC will play an important role in our Windows gaming strategy."