Rumors have been persisting for a while that Microsoft was creating their own device purely for streaming games. The more recent rumors featured a device called Keystone that would be brought to market alongside Microsoft’s current consoles. Now Microsoft has confirmed that Project Keystone is in development but the current version of the product isn’t quite what the company is aiming for when delivering Xbox Cloud Gaming to more players.
What we know about Project Keystone
Microsoft has confirmed Project Keystone is a game-streaming device that can be connected to TVs or monitors to play games on the Xbox Cloud Gaming service without needing an Xbox console. In a statement to Windows Central, a Microsoft spokesperson confirmed Keystone is currently just a codename for the device and that they’re about to take “a new approach” to its design:
“Our vision for Xbox Cloud Gaming is unwavering, our goal is to enable people to play the games they want, on the devices they want, anywhere they want. As announced last year, we’ve been working on a game-streaming device, codename Keystone, that could be connected to any TV or monitor without the need for a console.
As part of any technical journey, we are constantly evaluating our efforts, reviewing our learnings, and ensuring we are bringing value to our customers. We have made the decision to pivot away from the current iteration of the Keystone device. We will take our learnings and refocus our efforts on a new approach that will allow us to deliver Xbox Cloud Gaming to more players around the world in the future.”
Those expecting to see Project Keystone at the Xbox/Bethesda showcase on June 12 are likely to be disappointed. If the device’s concept has just been scrapped and efforts are being refocused, it suggests the project is not ready to be shown to the public anytime soon.
In other news, Sniper Elite 5 has been delayed on Epic Games Store due to unforeseen circumstances. Elsewhere, Call of Duty: Warzone can now be played in 120Hz on Xbox Series X|S once again following this week’s patch.
