NVIDIA GeForce NOW switches to opt-in for developers

NVIDIA announces a major strategy shift for its GeForce NOW cloud gaming service. One key difference with other cloud services is that GeForce NOW is merely a cloud gaming platform, the actual games need to be bought via a different platform (like Steam) so these games will remain your property even if GeForce NOW would disappear at some point in the future (which is a concern some have for Google Stadia).

Up until now, support for games was added to GeForce NOW by NVIDIA without explicitly asking permission from game developers. This changes today as NVIDIA is switching to an opt-in model. Game developers need to confirm they want their games to be listed in GeForce NOW before May 31. Games from developers that don't opt in will be removed:

GeForce NOW has already been enjoyed by millions of gamers. As we approach the end of our trial period, we’re working to build a robust catalog of PC games with full support from the development community.

This includes a new opt-in process for developers and publishers to offer their games on GeForce NOW. Response has been strong with over 200 publishers committing to streaming on the service.

GeForce NOW is an extension of the PC ecosystem. There is no cost for developers — games just run without difficult porting requirements — helping them reach millions of players who don’t have game-ready PCs.

Going forward, only the games that are opted in will be available on the service, providing confidence in the GeForce NOW game library. Yet some publishers are still figuring out their cloud strategies. Those that haven’t opted in as of May 31 will be removed.

The current list of games playable on GeForce NOW, including mega-hits — like Apex Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Destiny 2, Dota 2, Fortnite, Rocket League, Terraria and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege — can be found here, along with the list of games that will no longer be available.

With more than 2,000 games already committed to the service, including over 500 instantly playable and more added every Thursday, the GeForce NOW library is shaping up nicely.