Avowed’s Absence from Xbox Cloud Gaming Leaves Early Access Players Disappointed

Xbox Cloud Gaming offers an exciting world where you can play your favorite games virtually anywhere, as long as you have a decent internet connection. But if you’re a Game Pass Ultimate subscriber eagerly wanting to dive into Obsidian’s new RPG, Avowed, you might hit a roadblock. Despite being a feature-rich service, Xbox Cloud Gaming currently doesn’t support streaming Avowed if you have early access through the Premium Edition.

For fans who enjoy the convenience of gaming on different devices, this is certainly a letdown. One significant perk of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the ability to stream Game Pass titles you own, allowing you to switch seamlessly between your smart TV, browser, or smartphone. However, this feature doesn’t extend to Avowed’s early-access period, which began on February 13th and is accessible on platforms like the Xbox Store, Steam, and Battle.net.

The Standard Edition of Avowed becomes available on February 18th, and it is included in Game Pass subscriptions. But without the Premium Edition, you’ll have to wait until the official release date to explore the rich world of Eora through the cloud.

Microsoft’s decision to limit cloud compatibility, even after acquiring Obsidian Entertainment in 2018, is curious. Currently, Avowed remains exclusive to Xbox and PC, with no cloud streaming option. This means you’re tethered to your consoles or PC, despite paying extra for early access.

As cloud gaming technology evolves, it offers an enticing alternative for gamers eager to play the latest releases without being tied to specific hardware. Nvidia’s GeForce Now leads in this revolution, presenting options to experience games like Avowed on high-performance servers. However, access is tricky, as many GeForce Now memberships are in high demand and have availability issues, partly due to Nvidia adjusting its payment processing.

While Avowed carries high expectations thanks to Obsidian’s acclaimed Pillars of Eternity series, initial reviews suggest mixed responses, with some criticism of less captivating gameplay elements. Nonetheless, the game is on the brink of being experienced by a broader audience with its upcoming general release, giving everyone—including Xbox Cloud gamers—the chance to finally judge this anticipated RPG adventure.