So at what point is ABK considered synonymous with Xbox?
The money is still going in Microsoft's pocket is it not?
It kinda like how people say they are gonna buy a PC because they don't want to own an Xbox. But...Microsoft also owns Windows....soooo...you're still paying them.
Same with Xbox games on PS5...people laugh about this happening, but Playstation owners are sucking these games up...at full price or close to full price no less while Xbox owners with Gamepass are paying much less,,,,and for all those games amongst others. Still paying Xbox.
When software is the major revenue driver for all gaming companies, including Sony, you start to see the slow creep...this trojan horse that Microsoft is delivering to every screen as they've portended to do.
The hardware sales are worrying because even with ABK it didn't push console sales on the one hand, but everything is multiplat anyways so that's pretty much what Microsoft said during the ABK hearings would happen.
The question is, can Xbox survive without the hardware sales? I think it depends on how quickly and effectively they transition to this "xbox on every screen" mantra. Also, there's still next gen and the rumor that an Xbox handheld is in the works.
Could they prove to be as successful as a Steam Deck? Given that they want Steam and Epic on their device? With a console that now has access to a good majority of PC exclusive games...pretty much instantly on release?
I dunno honestly. The only thing I'm sure of is this game is far from over.