Edited By
Omar El-Sayed

A recent update has pulled remote play functionality from the Xbox app into a separate service, sparking heated discussions among players. Many are voicing their frustrations over the implications for gameplay access and how it affects purchases.
The change comes as Microsoft aims to introduce in-app game purchases, raising concerns about the hefty fees charged by Apple and Google. Players express disappointment, particularly since the previous integration of remote play and purchases enhanced user experience.
Separation of Functions: Commenters highlighted that the decision stems from a desire to monetize game sales within the app. "You cannot sell and play from the same app without paying Google/Apple," said one user. This separation is seen as primarily profit-driven, causing inconvenience.
Streamlined Experience Lost: The transition to a browser-only model has left many feeling that the service is downgraded. "I havenโt been able to use remote play since they changed it to the browser," reported a frustrated player, emphasizing how past features significantly enhanced remote access.
Frustration with Functionality: Reacting to the update, several players expressed their discontent with connection issues and a general lack of reliability. One commenter stated, "Itโs a step back for cloud/remote accessibility," reflecting the dread that the convenience of mobile gaming has been compromised.
"While I was at my parents' house in Canada, I used to remote play my Xbox at home. Now, I canโt even" expressed a player who felt sidelined by the abrupt change.
Despite the frustration, some players have found workarounds.
Alternative Applications: Suggestions for apps like Better XCloud are making rounds, touted as potential substitutes.
Adaptation to Changes: A player mentioned, "If you add it to your home screen, it works basically the same as before," indicating some adaptability in the community.
However, the overall sentiment seems to lean negative, with many players frustrated by the change.
๐ Players are upset over the separation of game purchase and play functionalities
โก Many reported reliability issues and disconnections during gameplay
๐ฎ A few offered alternative solutions, but dissatisfaction remains prevalent
The timing of this update raises questions about how companies balance monetization with user experience. Will gamers adapt to these changes or push for a quicker return to a more integrated system? Players remain hopeful that future improvements will address their concerns.