# Cloud Gaming Services The Microsoft Gaming Cloud Division is Hoping to Change the Market By Justin Lam | Published 2018-03-16 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-gaming-cloud-division References: [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2018/03/15/microsoft-unveils-a-new-gaming-cloud-division/) & [slashgear](https://www.slashgear.com/microsoft-cloud-gaming-division-sets-the-stage-for-post-xbox-streaming-15523346/) Gaming is about to change drastically thanks to the announcement of the [Microsoft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xcloud-game-library) gaming cloud division. This moves positions Microsoft to enter the streaming market, something Microsoft has been planning for some time. This move was not entirely surprising as Microsoft has been acquiring small companies, like PlayFab, which was previously focused on cloud based game development. Microsoft already has the basic structure of a cloud streaming service, [Xbox Game Pass](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xbox-cloud-gaming-1), which gives players access to a large library of games for just $10 a month. Early versions at game streaming did not prove to be very useful, like OnLive, but the market is still quite intriguing. Sony's [Playstation Now](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playstation-spartacus) service is still a thriving service and the recent announcement of NVIDIA Geoforce Now will see a PC game streaming service. The Microsoft gaming cloud division does face a bit of an uphill battle in entering the market, but if it is able to accomplish a polished service it could change the way the gaming market is handled. Image Credit: Microsoft ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 38% | Activity: 52% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Cloud Gaming:** Disruptive innovation opportunities lie in developing seamless and high-quality game streaming platforms. - **Streaming Market:** There is potential for disruptive innovation and market growth in the field of game streaming services. - **Cloud-based Game Development:** Opportunities exist for disruptive innovation in creating cloud-based game development tools and platforms. ### Who This Affects Most - **Gaming Industry:** The gaming industry can benefit from embracing cloud gaming and streaming services, revolutionizing the way games are played and accessed. - **Technology Industry:** The technology industry has the potential to disrupt the gaming market by developing advanced cloud gaming solutions and infrastructure. - **Entertainment Industry:** The entertainment industry can explore disruptive innovation by integrating cloud gaming services into their offerings, expanding the reach and accessibility of games. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Expanded Game-Streaming Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xcloud-game-library.md) - [Accessible Cloud Streaming Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/game-pass-cloud-fire-tv.md) - [On-Demand Gaming Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playstation-spartacus.md) - [Cloud Gaming Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boosteroid-call-of-duty.md) - [Portable Game Streaming Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xbox-cloud-gaming.md) - [Expanded Game-Streaming Functionalities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stream-your-own-game.md) - [Expanded Game-Streaming Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xbox-cloud-gaming-1.md) - [Rental Cloud Gaming Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/day-pass.md) - [Improved On-Demand Gaming Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gamestream.md)