Xbox is testing a new feature for Game Pass subscribers designed to reduce the frustration of lengthy game updates. Rolling out to Xbox Insiders, the functionality allows players to launch a game via cloud streaming if it is currently installing or updating and is supported by the service. This aims to let players jump into their games with less waiting time.
The feature provides an option to "launch with cloud gaming directly from the game card when a game is installing or updating." This is intended to address the increasing size of game updates, which has become a significant hurdle for players eager to start playing. Previous attempts to mitigate update wait times, such as automatic overnight updates or the ability to start playing before a full installation, have not entirely resolved the issue.
While the effectiveness of this new cloud streaming workaround remains to be seen—potential drawbacks include extended loading times or compromised streaming quality due to background downloads—it represents Microsoft's effort to innovate on the console experience. The company is reportedly working to improve the Xbox console experience at a faster pace.
In addition to the cloud streaming test, the latest update preview for Xbox Insiders introduces other enhancements. The maximum length for Gamertags has been increased to 15 characters. Xbox 360 Achievements are now visible on Game Hub pages, and users can more easily add games to their Wishlist directly from the Game Card without navigating to the store. These changes reflect a broader initiative by Microsoft to refine and accelerate improvements to the Xbox platform.