Project Xcloud, the mobile streaming method for playing Xbox and PC games on Android devices, is ambitious and possibly game-changing. With a number of gamers insisting they’d like to play where they want to play, Microsoft is tackling the interest head-on.

Beta downloads of Xcloud are out now to various Xbox and PC gamers, and the early reviews are trickling in. Not surprisingly, people are noting that it’s a great answer to mobile gaming without being forced to play less quality titles. Some of the biggest surprises, however, are the number of people who are noting its sustainability in terms of visual presentation over the course of play time.

A great review from Ars Technica notes something I’m sure a lot of gamers are concerned about. Upon download and loading, things look smooth. As a game session carries on, however, image quality can downgrade at the drop of a dime. Likely, presentation will improve upon Beta feedback and more time to work, but it’s a real concern for many. As with other streaming platforms in gaming, the service might not end up mattering as much as your individual internet connectivity.

You can imagine someone who is on-the-go tapping into their mobile LTE connectivity likely having a good connection. What about the players who are playing from any of the number of remote, rural areas, residential or not? The ability to get good internet service is widespread now, but streaming big budget games doesn’t require good internet connectivity. It needs to be great.

A review on Pocket-lint from back in July when Microsoft first tested the service, mentions that internet connectivity of around 7.5Mbps should cover the data needed to run these games. However, their review comes from a closed, showcase-style demo area. Some internet services can’t provide users with 7.5Mbps at a stable rate in highly populated areas, as well as rural locations. Early reviews all pointed this out; Microsoft has made it possible to connect with a low rate of speed, but is it sustainable, let alone possible for some gamers?

If you keep up with us here at PhenixxGaming, you know I’m one of the resident Xbox fanboys. I’m not afraid to note that I love Microsoft and their efforts. I think Xcloud is going to be a huge part of their model for the future, but at the moment, there are a lot of uncharted territories worth exploring. Hopefully I’ll get access to the Beta soon, but until then, I’m eager to see where Microsoft goes from here.

It’s going to take quite a bit of power and service to keep something this large running. Will it finally happen, or will the project be scrapped a few years down the line? We’ll see.

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