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Google and Microsoft descended on E3, the NBA Finals of gaming, to get loud for the cloud at pre-event pressers. As these companies see it, cloud-based gaming is the next big cord-cutting play.

Microsoft didn’t divulge much about its streaming service, xCloud, but the company did say a preview’s coming in October. Google has promised low-lag, high-quality gameplay in its Stadia streaming service, which will launch a “Founder’s Edition” in November.

Setting the hardware scene

Last quarter, console sales at GameStop dropped 35% YoY, prompting the store to get more spartan with cost-cutting and shake up its leadership structure. With all the hype about gaming shifting to the cloud, is it consoles’ last call?

Not so fast. Microsoft also announced “Project Scarlett,” a next-gen console featuring a 4x performance increase over the Xbox One and a “holiday 2020” launch date. Sony has a new PlayStation in the works. And not to be discounted: Cloud gaming requires top-notch connectivity, which many Americans lack.

+ Bonus: To much fanfare, Keanu Reeves said he’ll be in Cyberpunk 2077, a long-awaited game with cyberware implants (whatever that means) and autonomous cars, confirming AVs will indeed be ready by 2077.