Xbox Game Pass About to Get a Level Up? Mysterious Cloud Codenames Spotted!
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Some sneaky codenames have been spotted in the Xbox Cloud Gaming API, hinting at possible new Game Pass tiers, and I reckon it's gonna shake things up a bit!
Right, so it looks like Microsoft's been brewing something extra special for Xbox Game Pass, and naturally, it involves the cloud. Our mates over at Game Rant (cheers, chaps!) have been digging around and unearthed some seriously interesting codenames hidden in the Xbox Cloud Gaming API – Callisto, Dia, Europa, and Ferdinand. Now, what in the wizarding world could these be?
Think of it like this: Microsoft's xCloud is like a magical portal, beaming games directly to your screen. Currently, they've got the Ultimate version, a BYOG (Bring Your Own Game – for those posh sorts), and a free-to-play option with *Fortnite*. But these new codenames? They’re like doors to uncharted territories in the cloud gaming kingdom.
Apparently, Bluesky user Redphx was the first to stumble upon these, and Game Rant independently verified it. That's right, someone's been poking around where they shouldn't, and Microsoft's code decided to spill the beans (or, well, codenames).
Now, the big question: what *are* they? The most popular theory bouncing around the digital taverns is that these are new Game Pass tiers focused solely on cloud gaming. Imagine, a cheaper option just for streaming games on your phone or tablet – no console required. Makes a bit of sense, doesn't it? Especially considering rumors of cloud-only tiers have been floating about since last summer.
But here's where it gets a bit more complicated. The codenames themselves don’t exactly scream “tiers,” do they? Redphx initially speculated that the order of these names implied some kind of hierarchy, with Callisto being the fanciest and Ferdinand the, er, least fancy. However, as Game Rant pointed out, the order in the API is alphabetical. Bugger. So, scratch that theory (unless Microsoft are *very* sneaky and playing 4D chess here).
Even more intriguing, certain games seem to be tagged as compatible with these mystery programs. *Assassin's Creed Origins*, *Doom 64*, *Genshin Impact*, *Hellblade II*, and even *GTA V* are apparently in on the secret. What's *GTA V* doing there? Probably just stirring up trouble, as usual. And *Genshin Impact* seems to be compatible with *all* of the new codenames, which is pretty sus, if you ask me. It’s also the *only* free-to-play game on the list. Is it a test case? Or something else entirely?
Of course, it’s entirely possible that not all these codenames translate to actual tiers. Microsoft *could* be planning some other cloud-based shenanigans that we can't even imagine yet. Two of the three current options, after all, are both linked to the Ultimate plan. They could be testing new streaming tech, or some kind of new fangled monetization scheme.
So, what does all this mean? Well, it means Microsoft is *definitely* up to something in the cloud gaming space. Whether it's new tiers, new tech, or something completely different, only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: the future of Xbox Game Pass is looking a bit…cloudy. (Sorry, I couldn't resist.) We'll be keeping our ear to the ground and letting you know as soon as we learn more. Until then, happy gaming, and keep those pixels popping!
Tags: Xbox Game Pass, Cloud Gaming, Microsoft, xCloud, Gaming News
Original article: Game Rant