Nvidia Lets You Stream Custom Steam Games via GeForce Now

Major Upgrades to GeForce Now Cloud Gaming Service

At the 2025 Gamescom, Nvidia made several notable announcements, with the most significant updates focused on its GeForce Now (GFN) cloud gaming service. While the company introduced minor software platform refreshes, the core advancements centered around enhancing the GFN experience for users.

The highest-tier GFN server clusters, known as "pods," have been upgraded to use graphics processors equivalent to the RTX 5080. Additionally, Nvidia is working on improving the network pipeline to provide faster streaming with reduced latency. These upgrades primarily benefit Ultimate members, though some features are available to Premium subscribers as well.

Subscription Pricing and New Features

Currently, subscription prices remain unchanged. However, Nvidia has introduced annual payment plans, which are not more cost-effective than the six-month plan. One of the most anticipated features is Install-to-Play, which allows users to stream Steam games not already in GFN’s optimized library. This feature was previously available during beta testing but was removed before the 2020 launch.

Install-to-Play installs games to a virtual machine in the cloud, enabling faster installation compared to downloading directly to a device. The game then streams to the user's device. These games are not as optimized as those in the GFN library and may not receive automatic updates. The exact update process remains unclear.

Nvidia provides 100GB of temporary storage for Install-to-Play sessions, which disappears once the session ends. For persistent storage, users can opt for monthly plans: $3/month for 200GB, $5/month for 500GB, and $8/month for 1TB. This feature allows users to avoid reinstalling games and access over 2,000 additional titles, making it possible to stream games with local-only saves.

Enhanced Performance for Ultimate Members

Ultimate members now enjoy improved frame rate and resolution specifications, powered by Multi Frame Gen technology, which is exclusive to Blackwell-based 50-series GPUs. Steam Deck users can now reach up to 90fps, while a new 1080/360fps option is available, requiring an Nvidia Reflex-compatible monitor. LG TVs can support up to 4K at 120Hz, and LG OLED monitors connected to Windows or Mac systems can achieve 5K resolution. LG is the first partner to support this feature. Additionally, Logitech racing wheels are now supported.

Ultimate members also have access to Cinematic Quality Streaming (CQS), which uses up to 100Mbps bandwidth to deliver higher bit-depth HDR (YUV 4:4:4) and resolution. CQS automatically detects the screen's native resolution and applies optimized sharpening to improve text clarity and reduce blur.

Future Features and Expansions

Starting in September, these upgrades will roll out across the platform. Later in the year, Nvidia plans to introduce Play Instantly on Discord, beginning with Fortnite. This feature will allow streamers to invite viewers to play a one-hour trial of the game without needing an account. This capability was previously part of Google’s Stadia vision, which never gained traction.

New titles joining GFN at launch include Borderlands 4, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, and The Outer Worlds 2.

Additional Announcements

Nvidia also announced the first implementation of RTX Hair in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, set to release in September. RTX Hair uses path tracing and linear swept spheres to create more realistic hair and fur with less performance impact. Modders using RTX Remix can integrate path-traced particles into older games for enhanced visuals.

On the AI front, Nvidia unveiled The Oversight Bureau, a voice-driven puzzle game that uses speech-to-text technology. The game combines pre-recorded dialogue with AI-based contextual analysis to generate responses.

Nvidia made minor improvements to G-Assist, reducing memory usage and adding laptop-specific optimizations for better battery life. The Nvidia App received new features, including DLSS global overrides and the return of some legacy 3D control panel settings.