Microsoft really doesn't care if you buy an Xbox Series X - here's why

Microsoft really doesn't care if you buy an Xbox Series X - here's why
Although it seems like I'm one of the few people who actually enjoyed Microsoft's Xbox gaming showcase, I can't help but shake my head when I see the same statement appearing over and over again from Microsoft. disgruntled players. You may have seen it yourself, but it usually goes like this: "There are no exclusives on Xbox Series X, so I'm just going to get Halo Infinite on PC or Xbox One in the square." At first glance, that might seem like a damning insult, and I'm sure in an ideal world, Microsoft would like to see people proclaim they'll buy an Xbox Series X at launch. But if you look closely, it shows that the strategy Microsoft has slowly evolved into should pay off. You see, Microsoft is not interested in shipping millions of consoles. would he want About. Does he need it? Absolutely not. Microsoft's approach is pretty clear: it wants to reach as many gamers as possible, no matter which platform they choose to play on, and Xbox Game Pass is the chain that connects it all.

Xbox Play Anywhere

Xbox Play en todas partes

Xbox Play Anywhere is one of Microsoft's many pro-consumer movements. (Image credit: Microsoft) "The bottom line is that you always buy an Xbox game, no matter where you choose to play it." The experience of moving away from the traditional console upgrade cycle of forcing gamers to buy new hardware for specific games (of each generation) began with Microsoft's Xbox Play Anywhere program, which got him started. offered the PC version of any Xbox One game you've purchased digitally, and vice versa. When Xbox Play Anywhere was first announced, people questioned its impact. "Why would you play the Xbox version when you can play it on PC?" they pondered, which is not strange to ask. Well, the point is, you don't have to play the Xbox version – you get a copy of the game for both platforms, and you have the option to play on any device. The bottom line is that you always buy an Xbox game no matter where you choose to play it. After Xbox Play Anywhere, Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service that has essentially become the Netflix of games. It wasn't until Microsoft announced that all proprietary Xbox Games Studio games would be included in the subscription that it really took off. And, as we've seen, it turned out to be a phenomenal value.

A bold move

Xbox Game Pass

So many great games, all for one monthly subscription. (Image credit: Microsoft) "You may not be desperate to buy the company's new console, but no one is canceling your subscription anytime soon." However, when Microsoft made the decision to make its proprietary games like Gears 5, Sea of ​​Thieves, Forza Horizon 4, and Halo: The Master Chief Collection available on PC, the gaming world was in utter disbelief. The dismantling of the exclusive Xbox line was seen as potentially disastrous for Microsoft's gaming division, with many wondering why anyone would buy an Xbox One console if all the games were coming to the PC as well. That's a good question, but an answer that bears repeating: Microsoft just wants as many people as possible to play its games, no matter where you play it. This belief is reinforced by Microsoft's approach to Xbox Series X games. Every proprietary game from the first two years will also be coming to Xbox One, including Microsoft's flagship franchise that has historically sold consoles in the millions: Halo Infinite. . We also found out that all of the titles revealed at Microsoft's Xbox Games Showcase event were included with Xbox Game Pass. You may not be desperate to buy the company's new console, but no one is canceling their subscription anytime soon. This means there is literally no reason to buy an Xbox Series X because you can play all of these games on your existing Xbox One or PC... So what is Microsoft thinking?

A new sunrise

Mar de ladrones

Sea of ​​Thieves was the first Xbox Game Studios title to go free on day 1 as part of Xbox Game Pass. (Image credit: Weird) If it wasn't already clear, Microsoft is no longer reliant on massive console sales to make money. Hardware rarely makes a big profit for Sony or Microsoft, especially in the early stages when manufacturing costs are high. Consoles often sell at a loss, too, and it's software and services that make up the shortfall and generate healthy revenue. So what is Microsoft doing on the service front? Unbelievably good, it turns out. It has managed to amass over 10 million Xbox Game Pass subscribers, and unlike a single game or hardware purchase, these subscribers generate consistent cash flow every month. These subscribers aren't just tied to Xbox hardware. They are playing games on Xbox and PC consoles, and soon they will be online on their phones as well. With Project xCloud integrated into Xbox Game Pass subscriptions starting in September, a whole new audience of gamers could be entering the Xbox ecosystem for the first time. The main thing is that they have a lot of possibilities to achieve this.

Sony vs. Microsoft

Halo infinito

Halo Infinite can be played on a variety of devices, not just one. (Image credit: 343 Industries) "The prospect of buying an expensive box just to see one or two games seems old-fashioned." The main difference between the next-gen Sony and Microsoft is the cost of entry. Sony needs you to buy a PlayStation 5. Otherwise, you can't play Spider-Man Miles Morales or Horizon Forbidden West. If an exclusive game doesn't impress when it's revealed, Sony will miss out on not one, but two crucial potential sales: a PS5 console and a $60 game. On the other hand, Microsoft has widened its net much further. You can afford to be more experimental with your range of games, as evidenced by recent titles like Grounded and Rare's Everwild. And their goal is to make it as easy as possible to access the Xbox ecosystem, not reduce the cost of paying for new hardware. Maybe you like the look of Sea of ​​Thieves but can't afford an Xbox One S? Sign up for Xbox Game Pass and play on your phone through Project xCloud. Maybe you're a PC gamer who loves Halo but can't go back to the console limits? You can get it from the Windows 10 store (and as it's become more and more common, Steam). What if you already have an Xbox but want the best possible experience for all future titles? Xbox Series X has you covered. Whatever your perspective, Microsoft has made its library of games and services more accessible than any other console maker to date. Consumers have shown a demand for services that focus on their devices, and the prospect of buying an expensive box just to experience a game or two seems outdated. Whether you see Microsoft's strategy as a crazy gamble or an inspired move, one thing's for sure: Microsoft doesn't really care if you buy an Xbox Series X. They just want you to play their games and only play their games. stay on Xbox Game Pass. Today's best Xbox One deals Microsoft Xbox One S 1TB… Xbox Game Pass 3 months Xbox… Xbox Black controller + 3…