Tag: GeForce NOW

  • Fortnite Cloud Gaming Might Face Time Limits on xCloud

    Fortnite Cloud Gaming Might Face Time Limits on xCloud

    Key Takeaways

    1. xCloud may introduce gameplay time limits for Fortnite to reduce server overload and wait times for users.
    2. Data miners at Better xCloud have discovered files suggesting potential restrictions on session durations for free users.
    3. The timing and implementation of Fortnite limits on xCloud remain uncertain, with other free-to-play games possibly affected as well.
    4. Fortnite’s popularity persists, aided by its availability on various platforms and services like xCloud, which enhances accessibility.
    5. Cloud gaming platforms, including GeForce Now, face bandwidth challenges that can lead to wait times, prompting mixed reactions from players.

    Many cloud gaming platforms typically do not impose limits on gameplay time, even for popular games. This can sometimes overload servers and result in longer wait times for users. To combat these issues, xCloud might soon introduce restrictions on Fortnite cloud gaming. Resourceful data miners at Better xCloud have uncovered files suggesting that free users could face limited session durations.

    Uncertain Future for Fortnite Limits

    It remains unclear when or if these Fortnite restrictions will come into play for xCloud users. Nevertheless, Better xCloud, which enhances streaming quality, has been the source of various leaks in the past. Recently, they revealed files that refer to an Xbox Sebile controller currently under development. This time, the code mentions aspects like priority queue access, session duration, and session minutes. Other free-to-play games could also be impacted by these upcoming rules.

    Fortnite’s Ongoing Popularity

    Since its launch in 2017, Fortnite has continued to capture the attention of both professional and casual gamers. Part of what keeps the game thriving is its broad availability across different platforms. Cloud gaming services like xCloud further enhance Fortnite’s accessibility. Nonetheless, some players quickly point fingers at the game when wait times in other titles increase.

    A subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is required to stream many games on xCloud. However, there are exceptions for some free-to-play games like Fortnite, allowing gamers to experience the battle royale sensation on devices with compatible browsers.

    Bandwidth Challenges

    Even the best cloud gaming options face challenges with limited bandwidth and server capabilities. Despite having expensive subscription plans, GeForce Now users might still run into wait times. Nvidia faced criticism when it announced a monthly cap of 100 hours of gameplay. Existing subscribers received a temporary relief when these restrictions were postponed until 2026. Fortnite can also be played on smartphones and Smart TVs with GeForce Now.

    Players who are streaming Fortnite across several devices are not happy about this news. On the flip side, some Reddit users view the playtime limitations as a beneficial change for xCloud.

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    Fortnite Cloud Gaming Might Face Time Limits on xCloud
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  • Avowed Not Available on Xbox Cloud Gaming for Early Access Players

    Avowed Not Available on Xbox Cloud Gaming for Early Access Players

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offers cloud gaming, allowing subscribers to play Game Pass games on various devices but has restrictions for expensive early-access games like Avowed.
    2. The Avowed Premium Edition provides early access starting February 13th, while the Standard Edition will be available on Game Pass after the official release on February 18th.
    3. Cloud gaming support for Avowed is lacking, limiting play to Xbox and PC during early access, despite Microsoft’s ownership of Obsidian since 2018.
    4. Nvidia’s GeForce Now offers better cloud gaming options, allowing players to explore Avowed on compatible devices, though many tiers are currently unavailable due to payment processor changes.
    5. Initial reception of Avowed has been mixed, with some gameplay aspects criticized, but it will soon reach a larger audience on February 18th.

    One significant advantage of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is its cloud gaming capability. Subscribers have the ability to play Game Pass games on different devices and can also stream their own games. However, they often face restrictions when it comes to accessing expensive early-access games. This applies to Obsidian’s action RPG Avowed, which means that those wanting to play via the cloud will need to explore other options.

    Early Access Details

    The Avowed Premium Edition opens up an early access phase that started on February 13th. This version is available on several platforms, such as the Xbox Store, Steam, and Battle.net. The Standard Edition is included in Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate but will not be available until the official release date of Avowed, which is February 18th. Players can choose to upgrade to the Premium Edition for an additional cost, but they shouldn’t count on being able to stream the game on devices like smart TVs, browsers, or smartphones.

    Compatibility Concerns

    It’s quite odd that cloud gaming support is missing, especially since Microsoft bought Obsidian Entertainment back in 2018. Currently, the game is limited to Xbox and PC, although a release for PS5 in the future is not out of the question. Given the additional expenses involved, it’s frustrating for gamers to be stuck using their PCs or Xbox consoles during the early access time frame.

    Cloud gaming is becoming an attractive method to enjoy highly anticipated games from anywhere as streaming quality and variety get better. Nvidia’s GeForce Now leads in game streaming options, allowing users to utilize powerful gaming setups. Unlike Microsoft’s service, players of Avowed can freely explore Eora on compatible GeForce Now devices. Unfortunately, many tiers of GeForce Now are currently unavailable due to Nvidia’s changes in payment processors.

    Reception and Expectations

    In terms of its initial reception, Avowed hasn’t reached the high standards established by Obsidian’s Pillars of Eternity. NBC’s review noted that some gameplay aspects feel superficial, which detracts from the engaging narrative. However, the game is set to face a much wider audience on February 18th, including those who play via Xbox Cloud.

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    Avowed Not Available on Xbox Cloud Gaming for Early Access PlayersAvowed Not Available on Xbox Cloud Gaming for Early Access Players

     

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  • VR Headsets Vision Pro, Meta Quest, Pico 4 Support 2,000 Games

    VR Headsets Vision Pro, Meta Quest, Pico 4 Support 2,000 Games

    The Vision Pro is a high-priced set of AR glasses that showcase impressive technology, yet they haven’t been a significant market hit for Apple so far. This might also be because they lack compatibility with some software and video games.

    New Compatibility Options

    However, things have improved slightly as the GeForce Now app now supports the Apple Vision Pro along with other VR and AR headsets, offering users access to over 2,000 game titles. It’s worth noting that to play games on GeForce Now, a gamepad controller is necessary (you can find a list of recommended controllers here). Both Xbox and Sony DualShock 4 controllers are compatible. On their support page, Nvidia outlines the required internet speeds: for 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, a connection speed of 40 MBps is needed, while 25 MBps is adequate for Full HD resolution.

    Gaming Limitations

    The gesture controls on the Apple Vision Pro aren’t available for gaming, and using a mouse and keyboard is only somewhat possible – not during gameplay and only when using the app itself. The latest version of the GeForce Now app also works with Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 3S, Pico 4, and Pico 4 Ultra. Users should remember that not every game has been specifically modified for VR, meaning that in some cases, the VR headsets act merely as a display. While this can still create an engaging VR-like experience thanks to the large screen size, it lacks true VR features like head tracking.

    Conclusion

    Nvidia’s efforts to expand compatibility with the Apple Vision Pro and other headsets may help enhance the user experience, though the limitations regarding gesture controls and the necessity of a gamepad may hinder the overall gaming experience. As the technology continues to evolve, it’s uncertain how the gaming landscape will shift with AR and VR integration.

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  • Nvidia Introduces Hourly Caps for GeForce Now, Users Displeased

    Nvidia Introduces Hourly Caps for GeForce Now, Users Displeased

    Nvidia has revealed that it will limit the monthly gameplay on its game streaming platform, GeForce Now. The Priority membership plan has been rebranded to Performance, which offers 1440p streaming at a cost of $9.99 (€9.26 or £7.71) each month. The Ultimate plan enables streaming up to 4K resolution for $19.99 (€18.53 or £15.42) monthly.

    New Limitations on Playtime

    The most drastic change is the implementation of monthly playtime limits. Users on the Performance plan will have a maximum of 6 hours per session, while those on the Ultimate plan will be allowed 8 hours. No matter which plan you choose, there is a total cap of 100 hours of usage per month.

    Nvidia has decided that users can roll over up to 15 unused hours to the next month, but session caps will still apply. If you surpass the maximum time allowed in a session, you will need to purchase additional hours to keep playing. For the Performance plan, 15 hours of extra playtime costs $2.99 (€2.78 or £2.31), while Ultimate plan subscribers will pay $5.99 (€5.56 or £4.62) for the same amount.

    A Small Comfort for Members

    On a brighter note, anyone who is an active paid member as of December 31, 2024, will receive unlimited playtime for one full year until January 2026. Additionally, Nvidia Founders subscriptions will continue to offer unlimited playtime for life, provided that there is no gap in their membership.

    Nvidia stated, “This ample limit comfortably accommodates 94% of members, who typically enjoy the service well within this timeframe.”

    User Reactions and Gaming Habits

    As anticipated, the response from users has been largely negative, with many expressing their dissatisfaction on platforms like Reddit and X. Numerous players are urging Nvidia to rethink this decision and are willing to pay more to keep unlimited playtime available.

    A survey conducted by Statista, which questioned 10,106 individuals in the U.S., revealed that 28% reported spending about 1 to 5 hours daily on gaming, 17% said they spend between 6 to 10 hours, and 10% claimed to play for 11 to 15 hours.

    Game Lengths and Playtime Concerns

    From howlongtobeat.com, the campaign length for the newly launched Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is approximately eight hours, extending to eleven hours for those aiming to complete everything. Multiplayer modes can further increase this time.

    Silent Hill 2 requires about fifteen and a half hours to complete, while Baldur’s Gate 3 can take up to sixty-eight hours just for the main storyline. Elden Ring may take sixty hours or more to finish.

    Even disregarding the average gameplay durations, the notion of having to limit playtime per session is not appealing for any gaming service. Players should be able to immerse themselves in the game, not constantly checking the clock to monitor their remaining time.

    Nvidia, Reddit, Statista, howlongtobeat.com

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  • GeForce Now Play Button Appears on Select Xbox Store Games

    GeForce Now Play Button Appears on Select Xbox Store Games

    Sharp-eyed gamers have noticed an intriguing update on the Xbox store. Foreign media outlet Gamerant has identified a “Play with GeForce Now” button appearing for specific games such as “Resident Evil 8: Village” and “Street Fighter 6.”

    Potential Microsoft and Nvidia Collaboration

    This discovery has led to speculation that Microsoft may be planning to integrate cloud gaming services directly into the Xbox ecosystem. GeForce Now, NVIDIA’s cloud gaming platform, might enable Xbox players to access these games without downloading them.

    Earlier this month, ten new titles were added to the GeForce Now library, including “Resident Evil 8: Village” and “Street Fighter 6.” The appearance of the “Play with GeForce Now” button for these games further suggests an official announcement from Microsoft might be forthcoming.

    Future Announcements

    Although the exact timeline is still unknown, it’s anticipated that Microsoft will formally announce Xbox’s support for cloud gaming services in the coming months. It remains uncertain whether this integration will include offering GeForce Now within the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (XGPU) subscription.

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  • NVIDIA Cloud G-SYNC Technology Enhances Cloud Gaming Experience

    NVIDIA Cloud G-SYNC Technology Enhances Cloud Gaming Experience

    NVIDIA recently introduced its Cloud G-SYNC technology designed to enhance the gaming experience for users of GeForce NOW. This feature is exclusive to GeForce NOW RTX 4080 SuperPOD instances under the Ultimate subscription tier. Cloud G-SYNC works by synchronizing display refresh rates with cloud gaming streams to reduce screen tearing and stuttering, resulting in smoother gameplay. Moreover, it incorporates Reflex technology to minimize latency in cloud gaming environments.

    Compatibility and Usage Requirements

    To make use of Cloud G-SYNC, users need display equipment with a refresh rate exceeding 60Hz and support for variable refresh rate (VRR) technologies like Nvidia G-SYNC, AMD FreeSync, or Apple’s ProMotion. It's important to note that Cloud G-SYNC is accessible solely through native GeForce NOW applications and is not compatible with browsers, mobile devices, or TV clients.

    System Requirements

    For Windows systems, a minimum necessity is NVIDIA Turing architecture graphics cards (GTX 16 or RTX 20 series), with no support for Intel or AMD GPUs. On macOS, the application supports all Apple Silicon models and certain Intel-based Mac models, including specific MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, and Mac Pro configurations.

    It's crucial to have at least the R545 driver version installed on systems with GeForce to enable Cloud G-SYNC functionality. However, NVIDIA specifies that multiple monitors are not compatible with this feature on Windows. Alongside the launch of Cloud G-SYNC, NVIDIA has introduced the GeForce NOW cloud game day pass. This pass comes in Priority and Ultimate versions priced at $3.99 and $7.99, respectively, offering 6 or 8 hours of gaming at the corresponding tier. These passes cater to users who temporarily step away from their computers or are interested in exploring cloud gaming options.

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