There are likely a few reasons why we haven't got it already. Obviously, Microsoft will add buy-to-own in the future, but what's taking so long?
There are thousands of Xbox cloud-compatible games that would be ready to go at the flick of a switch. While Microsoft hasn't stated this publically, one has to assume buy-to-own cloud games are on the roadmap, somewhere ( Correction: Microsoft has stated (opens in new tab) publically that buy-to-own was on the roadmap for 2020, all the way back in 2019.) Microsoft is all-in on the cloud, and the relatively small library of compatible titles falls short of the service's vast potential.
Source: Matt Brown | Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Matt Brown | Windows Central) Why can't I have the best of both worlds? The hurdles, and the downsides When compared to Google Stadia's buy-to-own model, Xbox Cloud Gaming's revolving door library seems archaic by comparison. There's no upfront transparency about which games are permanently in Xbox Cloud Gaming's library, and temporarily in the library either. When Darkest Dungeon or Streets of Rage 4 depart, I can only stream them from my home Xbox - providing it's accessible at the time and my upload speed delivers just a fraction of Microsoft Azure's best. When it comes to the cloud, I have no such option. I have the option to buy these on console and PC, taking advantage of the generous discount for Xbox Game Pass subscribers.
While I play Pillars of Eternity, now permanent on Xbox Game Pass following Microsoft's acquisition of Obsidian Entertainment, will I miss out on the chance to play other cloud-enabled games? You need only take a quick glance at the full list of Xbox Game Pass games to see how regularly games leave the service. This has created a dilemma for my ballooning backlog. And the more I cover game-streaming technologies, it's clear how frequently cloud games leave the platform for good. The game has taken up the vast majority of my leisure time as a result. Pillars of Eternity is a huge game, with countless hours available to completionists.