No one is suggesting that Microsoft should stop producing video game hardware. What we’ve been considering here in the dark and twisted Engadget Slack channel is whether Microsoft should continue making generationally distinct consoles in the traditional hardware cycle. Basically, does the Xbox require a box? Microsoft has been busy building the foundation for a platform-agnostic, cloud-first future for video games, and has consistently lagged behind both Sony and Nintendo in the console race. So why are executives trying to get us excited about the super-powerful 10th-gen Xbox?
Perhaps Microsoft has been hesitant to unveil drastic ecosystem changes since the turmoil surrounding the Xbox One and its always-on DRM features in 2013. After a steady stream of negative feedback about the console online, Xbox was forced to quickly cancel its launch plans. , Sony took the PlayStation 4 in an early victory lap. This mistake set the stage for the next decade of console sales, and it’s a lesson that applies to all studios, especially those trying to make streaming and cloud gaming the norm.
This is understandable, but it doesn’t change the fact that accessible, affordable (and possibly portable) hardware makes a lot of sense for Microsoft’s current vision and investments. At least it’s more than just an expensive console.
story of the week
delicious Elden Ring entree
Elden RingThe Shadow of the Erdtree expansion pack is scheduled for release on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC on June 21st. This expansion took a long time to come out. FromSoftware announced the DLC for February 2023, leaving plenty of time for players to get excited for more masochism. The new three-minute trailer for Shadow of the Erdtree shows off massive locations and epic bosses inspired by a chaotic mix of animals, insects, and elements. The expansion costs $40 and is currently available for pre-order.
Cate Blanchett’s Borderlands
Let me just come out and say this. I think Cate Blanchett makes a great release. First trailer for this summer borderlands movie It’s out there and it looks like this: mad max satisfy Guardians of the Galaxy — Anyway, it’s Borderlands in a nutshell. The film, which stars Blanchett, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Ariana Greenblatt and is directed by Eli Roth, is scheduled for release on August 9.
Xbox needs to exit the console business
Last Thursday, Xbox executives made it clear that they would not abandon the traditional hardware market, teasing the next-generation consoles to represent “the biggest technological leap we’ve ever seen.” That’s cool, but considering Microsoft’s position in the industry, I don’t think there’s any need for Xbox to make any more consoles.
Having acquired half the industry, Microsoft is now a large game publisher with more than 30 in-house studios. Many of these development teams are world-renowned with a rich multi-platform history. It is also the operator of Game Pass, one of the world’s largest gaming subscription services.
Game Pass has grown significantly during the pandemic, but subscriptions have stagnated. In an April 2022 court document, Microsoft said it had 21.9 million Game Pass subscribers and 11.7 million Xbox Live Gold members across consoles, with a total user base of 33.6 million. Last week, Microsoft revealed that Game Pass had 34 million subscribers. This includes Game Pass Core, the new name for PC Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold. Even assuming there are zero PC Game Pass subscribers in 2022, that means Game Pass subscriptions have only grown by 1% over the past 22 months. A more likely scenario is that the total number of subscriptions actually decreased during this period. But at least it’s possible for more people than ever to pay for full-price services.
Microsoft’s plans for this console generation were clear for all to see. That means selling hardware and upselling a subscription service that includes its own games. Selling Game Pass to people who don’t have an Xbox is difficult, and not many people will buy one. Microsoft stopped reporting hardware numbers during the Xbox One era, but analysts estimate total sales of Xbox Series consoles at around 25 million units. Meanwhile, Sony sold more than 50 million PS5 units and Nintendo sold about 140 million Switch units. This gap appears to be increasing every day, and is much more pronounced in Japan and Europe than in the United States. If Microsoft wants to grow Game Pass, it looks like it will have to be on platforms outside of Xbox.
This week, Xbox confirmed plans to release four previously exclusive games to PlayStation and Nintendo consoles, and for years, executives have been suggesting an ecosystem where Xbox and Game Pass can be played anywhere there’s a screen. Microsoft has a powerful cloud network that Sony can also use for game streaming, and it owns more than 30 studios. Longer term, Microsoft is positioning Xbox as a platform-agnostic software publishing powerhouse with the industry’s most reliable streaming network.
In these circumstances, it’s surprising to hear Xbox talking about building a super-powerful console for the next generation. I’m not advocating that Microsoft abandon the hardware market. It makes sense for the company to focus on portable devices and affordable streaming boxes that support Game Pass and cloud play. Xbox is working on a future where games and Game Pass are available everywhere. This raises clear questions about the current plan. Indeed, why bring expensive next-gen consoles into a war over software, subscriptions and streaming?
Bonus Content
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Sony President Hiroki Totoki told investors last week that the company would be more active in bringing PlayStation titles to PC.
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Xbox has confirmed which games will be coming to other consoles. grounded and regret It will be released on PlayStation and Switch. sea ​​of ​​thieves and hifi rush It only arrives on PS5. both sea ​​of ​​thieves and grounded Supports crossplay on all platforms.
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Now you have a completely different port. The Pokémon Company has scheduled an anniversary stream for next Tuesday at 9 a.m. ET. It’s a bit early to reveal the 10th generation, but the Switch remake is black, white It seems like a safe bet.
Now Playing
If you’re a Switch or PlayStation player curious about all the Xbox games coming to the console, we have one easy, clear recommendation. regret. Obsidian’s narrative-driven tapestry-like game surprises and delights, and I really enjoyed playing it recently on Game Pass. It’s out now on PS4, PS5, and Switch, and I’m sure it’s just as good on those platforms.
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