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Xbox Cloud Gaming frustrations mount amid long wait times and game sessions failing to start

4 min. read

Published onSeptember 10, 2023

published onSeptember 10, 2023

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In recent weeks, the gaming community has been grappling with mounting frustrations, as Xbox Cloud Gaming users find themselves caught up in seemingly endless wait times in some regions when trying to start a cloud gaming session.

A dilemma that has exacerbated since the hotly anticipatedlaunch of Starfield, users are not only being subjected to protracted queues but are also encountering glitches where the game session fails to initiate altogether, with no queue time message appearing to inform them of the delay, or, in some cases, the queue time coming to an end and then the session failing to start.

Queue time complaints began to increase whenGrand Theft Auto V rejoined the Xbox Game Pass lineup, but has become increasingly problematic since Starfield’s launch.

Since the launch of the blockbuster game Starfield, the Xbox Cloud Gaming platform seems to have been overwhelmed, indicating that the current infrastructure might not be equipped to handle the surge in user traffic. Users have been vocally expressing their dissatisfaction on various forums, highlighting the ongoing issue that has been persistent for several weeks now.

Many are left wondering whether the infrastructure behind the cloud gaming service is sufficiently robust to cater for growth, and whether Microsoft is even willing to improve and iterate on the service, following several promised updates to the service having not come to fruition, and lack of communication over the current issues being experienced.

Complaints have come in various different forms, including:

Here are some examples of the complaints that have been coming in on the xCloud (former name of Xbox Cloud Gaming) sub-reddit:

Is Xcloud Down?byu/DONOHUEO7inxcloud

Cloud Gaming stuck on “Getting your game ready”byu/Sgt-Shishainxcloud

I am stuck on the rocket ship loading screenbyu/Any_Fruit_8172inxcloud

Frustrated with unfair XCloud wait timesbyu/play150inxcloud

One suggestion to workaround the issue of no queue time being displayed is to try Xbox Cloud Gaming on a different browser or app. For example, if you’re trying to stream via the Xbox app, instead switch to Microsoft Edge and connect to Xbox Cloud Gaming from the website instead. Unfortunately, however, if your main issue is the queue times, then there’s no workaround for these, you’ll have to wait it out and hope that the session starts after your wait.

What exacerbates the issues is the lack of communication about the extent of the problem or potential remedies. Gamers find themselves in limbo, unsure whether to continue waiting or abandon the session altogether, as no queue time message or notification pops up to guide them. This has inevitably led to a ripple of discontent amongst the gaming community, with users yearning for a more streamlined and responsive gaming experience.

It should be understood that the service is still in beta, however, at a time when Microsoft should be wanting to persuade gamers that cloud streaming is the future, these issues will only achieve the opposite result.

While cloud gaming promises a future where games can be accessed and played instantly, without the need for hefty downloads or installations, the current scenario paints a somewhat gloomy picture.

As users anticipate quick fixes, Microsoft is expected to respond swiftly to these growing concerns, possibly deploying upgrades to bolster the cloud infrastructure and ensure a smoother gaming experience. Failing to do so risks jeopardising gamers’ trust in the service and lead to abandonment and potentially creating backlash against cloud gaming more generally which may inhibit future growth of the platform, as people have to return back to waiting to download the game, but at least can guarantee a good experience at the end of it.

Have you been grappling with issues using Xbox Cloud Gaming? Share your experiences in the comments below. You never know, someone may have a workaround for your particular issue.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

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Radu Tyrsina

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Xbox Cloud Gaming frustrations mount amid long wait times and game sessions failing to start#