Microsoft has rolled out a new feature that allows all users to live stream games through its collaboration and video conferencing platform, Microsoft Teams.
The integration involves the inclusion of the “Xbox Game Bar” in Teams, enabling live game streaming.
Users can download the free “Microsoft Teams Play Together” app from the Microsoft app store, after installation, the app allows screen sharing during gaming sessions via Teams.
Additionally, players can make calls while playing on-screen, and up to 20 participants can join these calls simultaneously.
Microsoft states that this feature is intended to assist users in “communicating while watching and playing games,” Primarily an entertainment feature, it is not geared towards work-related activities.
Earlier reports indicated that Microsoft was pursuing the acquisition of the social communication platform, Discord, popular among gamers and developers, Discord offers various features, including the ability to live stream games.
However, the deal has not yet materialized. Instead, Microsoft is adopting an alternative strategy by developing similar features within its existing platforms.
Currently, Microsoft allows game streaming via Teams at a frame rate of 30 frames per second or lower, in contrast, other platforms like “Twitch” offer streaming at 1080p resolution with frame rates of up to 60 frames per second, YouTube offers even higher resolutions up to 4K with frame rates of up to 60 frames per second.
It’s noteworthy that this new feature enables full screen streaming, allowing for unrestricted broadcasting of games or applications in use.
