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[mayham2199]

My question is: what will make this console unique and how will they get people to buy it. It clearly didn't work the last 2 times.

I don't think they care to much if people buy it beyond what they have now. I think they just want to keep their @30 million users and that's that.

 

[Shaki12345]

I don't think they care to much if people buy it beyond what they have now. I think they just want to keep their @30 million users and that's that.

If that's the case, I wonder how much people they lost between Xbox One > Series X and especially what's left of them now since they went multiplatform.

The main thing I see is that a lot of Xbox players have lost confidence in buying a new Xbox console. Those are the 30 million you speak of.

 

[Mibu no ookami]

Do we know if EA Play is profitable?

It's been around for a while. Given its all catalog titles, I imagine it's profitable. Anytime you can get consistent revenue from catalog titles, it's a pretty good thing. The only issue would be if it was impacting premium sales.

 

[Elginer]

Personally, Ill continue to get their hardware simply because the user experience is far better to the PS at the moment, Back compat with extra goodies, quick resume and the interface are all things that are important to me. Love the xbox system for those things.

 

[rm082e]

You think Microsoft can afford to give Sony 30 percent of their premium game sales but not of their GamePass revenue?

I don't think they have a choice on the cut for their games sold on PlayStation. Obviously Activision and Bethesda were profitable selling their games on PlayStation. Now that Microsoft has owns those properties, I don't see how that would change the math. As for the other first party Microsoft titles, those games aren't selling enough copies on Xbox to justify their existence. Their only path forward is to put their games on other platforms, take the 30% revenue hit, and adjust the budgets of their games accordingly.

The sort of trimmed down version of Game Pass you're envisioning with only the MS owned titles is a different math equation now that they own COD. Let's say they wanted to charge $10 a month for this on PlayStation. $3 of that would be going to Sony for their platform holder fee. That leaves MS with $7 a month, or $84 per year. Given they just had to raise the price of Game Pass Ultimate to $20 a month on Xbox for day 1 games, I somehow doubt there's enough profitability in roughly 1/3rd of that number to make this make sense.

Most likely, you'd see a lot of people sign up in November to get access to COD, then drop the sub by April or May (or whenever the typical drop-off is for COD games). Remember we still haven't see the full life-cycle of COD on the existing Game Pass yet. It could turn out to be a financial blunder and they may be retooling it within a year.

 

[Mibu no ookami]

I don't think they have a choice on the cut for their games sold on PlayStation. Obviously Activision and Bethesda were profitable selling their games on PlayStation. Now that Microsoft has owns those properties, I don't see how that would change the math. As for the other first party Microsoft titles, those games aren't selling enough copies on Xbox to justify their existence. Their only path forward is to put their games on other platforms, take the 30% revenue hit, and adjust the budgets of their games accordingly.

The sort of trimmed down version of Game Pass you're envisioning with only the MS owned titles is a different math equation now that they own COD. Let's say they wanted to charge $10 a month for this on PlayStation. $3 of that would be going to Sony for their platform holder fee. That leaves MS with $7 a month, or $84 per year. Given they just had to raise the price of Game Pass Ultimate to $20 a month on Xbox for day 1 games, I somehow doubt there's enough profitability in roughly 1/3rd of that number to make this make sense.

Most likely, you'd see a lot of people sign up in November to get access to COD, then drop the sub by April or May (or whenever the typical drop-off is for COD games). Remember we still haven't see the full life-cycle of COD on the existing Game Pass yet. It could turn out to be a financial blunder and they may be retooling it within a year.

Isn't that simply resolved by charging 15 dollars a month? And that would give them that same revenue they're making on PC.

 

[Three]

I've speculated for a while that Microsoft would make GamePass available on PSN via something akin to EA Play (only internal games), but that hasn't come to pass. I wonder who is against it Microsoft or Sony.

I imagine it's both who don't want it. Remember that initially Sony didn't allow EA Access (which predated GP). They know that subscriptions are the beginning of the end of consoles/subsidised hardware business models as a whole. MS also wouldn't want to have its loss leader games for cheap on another console if it doesn't mean people would remain subbed throughout the year for the other lower budget games. Once MS begins to compete more as a publisher (as it's been doing) with a regular release cadence you're likely to see them want it more. It still might come to pass but before they really weren't prepared for it.

 

[mayham2199]

If that's the case, I wonder how much people they lost between Xbox One > Series X and especially what's left of them now since they went multiplatform.

The main thing I see is that a lot of Xbox players have lost confidence in buying a new Xbox console. Those are the 30 million you speak of.

Well like PS they still have a lot of people on their old system. So there's a chance they can get them to move over eventually as well. As far as how many they've lost? Who really knows this whole gen has been so different than any new gen we've had before it.

 

[rm082e]

Isn't that simply resolved by charging 15 dollars a month? And that would give them that same revenue they're making on PC.

Sure. Heck, why not charge $20?

 

[Mibu no ookami]

I imagine it's both who don't want it. Remember that initially Sony didn't allow EA Access (which predated GP). They know that subscriptions are the beginning of the end of consoles/subsidised hardware business models as a whole. MS also wouldn't want to have its loss leader games for cheap on another console if it doesn't mean people would remain subbed throughout the year for the other lower budget games. Once MS begins to compete more as a publisher (as it's been doing) with a regular release cadence you're likely to see them want it more. It still might come to pass but before they really weren't prepared for it.

Phil Spencer seems to want it on PSN.

 

[Mibu no ookami]

Sure. Heck, why not charge $20?

I mean sure why not a million dollars...

The more expensive it is and the worse the value is the fewer people will adopt it.

I'd say 15 dollars for fewer games than the other versions would get would be an interesting compromise on price and profit and sustainability.

 

[spookyfish]

It really doesn't matter what they want. The market has already made the decision for them.

Yeah, pretty much came to post this. The *market* will decide that, Xbox.

 

[Killjoy-NL]

I’m not comparing it to what they’re currently selling on their own platform.

I know, but it will automatically look like a success on other systems as sales on their own platform are flatlining.

 

[Klayzer]

but it will automatically look like a success on other systems as sales on their own platform are flatlining.

Key point. Compared to what their games are doing on Xbox, sales on PlayStation will look great.

 

[Humdinger]

The market says 66% of subscribers are on console. MS would be crazy to leave them high and dry.

Agreed. And I've heard it's more like 80%, even as high as 85%.

 

[YeulEmeralda]

What a twist.

As for OP. Even Ninitendo hit a slump and they didn't quit. Gamecube and WiiU adoption wasn't great. But they kept trucking. The only thing this will lead to is a new Xbox that actually appeals to the masses, if they can manage that.

Nintendo had the handhelds that kept them afloat even when their home consoles flopped.

 

[Fbh]

Having hardware isn't a bad idea but how do they sell it.
Console gamers have now spent 1-2 gens building their digital library on Playstation and Switch, and they still have their own exclusives while MS has now set the precedent that they are willing to release their own games on other systems.

How do you get someone to buy a next box instead of a Ps6 and/or Switch 2.
The only way I could see it being remotely appealing is if MS takes the loss on the hardware and just offers considerably better hardware/performance for the same price. But I don't know how appealing that is for MS.

 

[LRKD]

Actions speak far louder than PR words, and their actions are saying the complete opposite. Microsoft is actively working against Xbox as a hardware console by making it's games multiplatform, and by turning their catalogue, into a streaming service you can stream onto a smart fridge.


The fact people are still buying Xbox consoles is a testament though to how badly the market wishes for Xbox not to just go off itself, to how much players want Xbox to release good exclusive games again.

 

[ResilientBanana]

Nintendo had the handhelds that kept them afloat even when their home consoles flopped.

Microsoft has a plethora of Xbox's.

 

[fallingdove]

Dude it's a joke in some way and in some way it isn't. Where are the Sony games in 2025? I own all consoles and am VERY disappointed with the PS5 as is the majority of this forum according to our own poll here.

Microsoft going 3rd party is a good thing for the industry and a good thing for Playstation owners and for gamers in general.

I want to see more bang for my buck when it comes to Sony exclusives. There's almost no reason to own a Playstation anymore since most of their games are coming to PC anyway.

Sony made big mistakes by putting lots of money and effort into live service crap nobody asked for and spent way too much time, money and effort into games that shouldn't been as expensive as they were. It's complete mismanagement. So yes, in this particular case (2025) Microsoft and other 3rd parties are there to give the PlayStation owner something to do. "Saving" the player from complete boredom.

It’s January and you are wondering where the 2025 games are?

Nobody can deny that Jim Ryan royally fucked up and I wouldn’t be surprised if his retirement was forced. But I also have zero reason to complain about the exclusives I have had this gen on PS5. Do I want more non-horizon first party exclusives, sure. But I’m definitely not bored (I have the largest backlog I have ever had).

 

[Giallo Corsa]

Dude it's a joke in some way and in some way it isn't. Where are the Sony games in 2025? I own all consoles and am VERY disappointed with the PS5 as is the majority of this forum according to our own poll here.

Microsoft going 3rd party is a good thing for the industry and a good thing for Playstation owners and for gamers in general.

I want to see more bang for my buck when it comes to Sony exclusives. There's almost no reason to own a Playstation anymore since most of their games are coming to PC anyway.

Sony made big mistakes by putting lots of money and effort into live service crap nobody asked for and spent way too much time, money and effort into games that shouldn't been as expensive as they were. It's complete mismanagement. So yes, in this particular case (2025) Microsoft and other 3rd parties are there to give the PlayStation owner something to do. "Saving" the player from complete boredom.

"There's almost no reason to own a Playstation anymore since most of their games are coming to PC anyway."

So, what's the reason you own a Xbox series console then (since you got all the systems) from the moment that all games are also on PC day1 ? Are you also disappointed with that ?

I really don't get it, it's the same thing a buddy of mine told me the other day - and this is a guy that only plays Halo and Forza on his Xbox (and those are also on PC).

Strange times

 

[yogaflame]

Just go back to being a third party developer. That is what they really are good at.

 

[SHA]

PC must be both backward and forward compatible to xbox at the same time since it's arguably the sweetest thing they kept on doing the whole time.

 

[Shaki12345]

"There's almost no reason to own a Playstation anymore since most of their games are coming to PC anyway."

So, what's the reason you own a Xbox series console then (since you got all the systems) from the moment that all games are also on PC day1 ? Are you also disappointed with that ?

I really don't get it, it's the same thing a buddy of mine told me the other day - and this is a guy that only plays Halo and Forza on his Xbox (and those are also on PC).

Strange times

When I bought PS5 and Series X there were quite a few exclusive games I was looking forward too. But Sony's output slowed down over time and Microsoft is now going multiplatform. The Xbox seems almost unnecessary now.

 

[jroc74]

I own all consoles and am VERY disappointed with the PS5 as is the majority of this forum according to our own poll here.

In pretty sure that's not the definition of the majority of the forum.

Majority of ppl that voted, sure.

 

[JohnnyFootball]

MS should choose between two things:

Publish games on all consoles, PC and cloud. No hardware, no day one games on GamePass, only individual sales.

or

Publish games only on Xbox and GamePass (which should be exclusive to Xbox too).


If MS followed one of these two strategies, it would probably be much simpler, but for some reason, it insists on wanting to do both strategies and therefore does not reach the potential it should have in either.

They tried option 2 for many years and just sucked at it so much.

 

[ComboBongo]

I know, but it will automatically look like a success on other systems as sales on their own platform are flatlining.

Just saw this …



64% of spend on Microsoft games in December came on PlayStation platforms apparently.

 

[Trilobit]

They maybe should at least go the route of Switch and launch a hybrid console before checking out completely from the market.

 

[Redeeming Casualty]

I have tried to wrap my head around Microsoft plans on Xbox for awhile. I can't really figure out what they are trying to do. They want everyone to sign up for gamepass so they can use their streaming rental system and to market that it can be used everywhere. Which is great, but makes me ask well if they are pushing for this and then not focus on the console, then why are they still developing consoles? I get they have an obligation to keep the Xbox going because of fans that have invested in it, maybe instead of advertising and debating over whether or not what is and isn't an Xbox. Maybe they could hunker down and use those investments they got and make some damn games for the service (which they have but I think their output could be better.) I really can't believe that even when SEGA failed in the early 2000's and announced they were going 3rd party. They went all in on it. They never sat on the dreamcast for years and had their games on competitors consoles and still supported the dreamcast at the same time. Microsoft wants you to buy their consoles but also are offering games they publish on to other platforms? Do they want me to play Machine Games Indiana Jones on an xbox or wait till it comes out on Playstation? Its really bizarre and confusing. I understand for them its an untapped market and new player base that they can sell their games too. I just don't know what they want from their player base and or potential new players. I don't even know what they want from the Xbox themselves. I'm just reminded constantly why I don't use Microsoft products and they have never given me a good reason to buy or get there. This is coming from someone who had an Xbox One that I enjoyed but was disappointed with the lack of original titles and games they would advertise on the main page for me to play. Barely anything they put out interested me then, and even interest me now. But thats okay because even if Microsoft was some how able to fuck up the XBOX even more. I still have a lot of great games big and small across Steam, Nintendo, and Playstation to play and even more coming in the future. The future is bright for games whether that involves the Xbox or not!

 

[Sooner]

And I'm not ready to lose my hair. But, there it goes.

 

[ExtendEmbraceExtinguish]

The only reason PlayStation isn't doomed, is because Microsoft is supplying it with games.

If PlayStation cannot counter msft mtx titles in software sales it will lead to doom. This is without consideration of future acquisitions on msft end. Sony has r&d costs to examine and keeping a balance between casual’s & enthusiasts satisfaction is important.

 

[Humdinger]

I have tried to wrap my head around Microsoft plans on Xbox for awhile. I can't really figure out what they are trying to do. They want everyone to sign up for gamepass so they can use their streaming rental system and to market that it can be used everywhere. Which is great, but makes me ask well if they are pushing for this and then not focus on the console, then why are they still developing consoles? I get they have an obligation to keep the Xbox going because of fans that have invested in it

It's because 80% of their GP customers are on the Xbox console. GP is extremely important to them. They need somewhere for those players to jump next gen (the subset who want to upgrade, anyhow). They also want to give them a place to access their Xbox library on a high-level next gen system. Those are the main two reasons.

maybe instead of advertising and debating over whether or not what is and isn't an Xbox. Maybe they could hunker down and use those investments they got and make some damn games for the service (which they have but I think their output could be better.)

Output should be pretty good now that they've bought up half the industry.

Microsoft wants you to buy their consoles but also are offering games they publish on to other platforms? Do they want me to play Machine Games Indiana Jones on an xbox or wait till it comes out on Playstation?

I think they would be happy with either. Wherever you play, they get some revenue.

Its really bizarre and confusing. I understand for them its an untapped market and new player base that they can sell their games too. I just don't know what they want from their player base and or potential new players.

From a financial standpoint, it is very clear. They're putting games on other systems because otherwise, they would collapse. Xbox does not make enough, either through GP or stand-alone sales, to support their development costs. They must port games to other platforms or go out of business. No choice.

From the player base standpoint, that's pretty clear, too. MS wants Xbox owners to stick with them. They do have a lot of loyal fans, to be sure, and I expect that most Xbox loyalists will stay with them. If you're still with Xbox after all of this, you're probably a pretty diehard loyalist. Whether they buy into next gen or not, I don't know. Most might stick with current gen hardware, as it seems capable enough. Depends what is on offer, I suppose.

I don't even know what they want from the Xbox themselves.

Probably not a whole lot. I think they are well aware that sending exclusives elsewhere removes a main reason why people buy a console. They know sales are declining, and I think they have fingers crossed that they won't crater much worse than they are already.

I'm just reminded constantly why I don't use Microsoft products and they have never given me a good reason to buy or get there. This is coming from someone who had an Xbox One that I enjoyed but was disappointed with the lack of original titles and games they would advertise on the main page for me to play. Barely anything they put out interested me then, and even interest me now. But thats okay because even if Microsoft was some how able to fuck up the XBOX even more. I still have a lot of great games big and small across Steam, Nintendo, and Playstation to play and even more coming in the future. The future is bright for games whether that involves the Xbox or not!

Well, it's good news for those of us not wedded to the Xbox ecosystem. For a while, it looked like MS was going to gobble up a massive number of developers/publishers and then keep it all to themselves. They have generously decided to share.