The feature is an expansion of Microsoft’s existing Xbox game streaming, launched with Windows 10 in 2015. It allows you to stream Xbox One games from a console in your home to your PC. You can then play them on your monitor with a controller. It frees up your TV for someone else to use and allows you to experiment with playing console games on a Windows computer.
Microsoft is now preparing to step the experience up a notch, adding more functionality to Xbox games through Windows game streaming. The game streaming feature can now act as a bridge between the PC-only Oculus Rift virtual reality headset and Xbox console games. For the first time, some of the top console games will be playable in VR.
The Rift support has come out of Microsoft’s extended partnership with Oculus. The Rift ships with an Xbox One controller in the box and works natively with Windows 10. Microsoft has developed the new streaming features to expand the Rift’s content library.
Using a new Oculus app, Xbox One Streaming to Oculus Rift, Rift owners will be able to stream their Xbox One library to their Rift headset. Fan favourites including Gears of War 4, Forza Horizon 3 and Halo 5: Guardians will be compatible, alongside backward compatible Xbox 360 games, new titles next year and existing Xbox One content.
Because none of the games were built for virtual reality, they don’t display in a fully immersive landscape. Instead, they’re projected onto a massive virtual screen in the Rift’s view, creating a virtual cinema for gaming. Three background environments will be available at launch, “Citadel,” “Retreat” and “Dome.”
For Microsoft, game streaming to Rift is another expression of its desire to offer a platform that’s open to all players, regardless of their hardware preferences. Xbox games can now be played on console, PC and the Rift, each providing a different view into the same title. Oculus also benefits from the feature, gaining access to more content that’s compatible with its headset.
“At Xbox, we’re continuously exploring new ways for you to get the most out of your gaming experiences by providing the choice to play how you want, where you want and with whomever you want,” said Microsoft. “With the launch of Windows 10 and the Xbox app, we first delivered the ability to stream your Xbox One games to your Windows 10 PC over your home network – and now, we’re bringing that experience to life, in partnership with Oculus, completely for free.”
Microsoft will launch the Xbox One Streaming to Oculus Rift app in the Oculus Store on December 12. It will be available to all existing Xbox One and Oculus Rift owners. The entire Xbox library will be accessible in virtual reality at no additional cost to players.
