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[Santar]

Having more options is always a good thing.

However, I do feel that this medium is heading towards a future where everything is 'rented' and nothing is owned. Games as a service... I don't know how I feel about that, ultimately.

This is my worry as well.
I fear the game industry that I love is at risk of being ruined by the people that don't care that much about actually owning games. Just like what's currently happening to movies.
The majority just view games as something you use and then throw away.

 

[GHG]

I wonder if they will offer a packaged deal with EA Access or XBL Gold?

It would make sense for them to do something like that. Maybe call it Xbox platinum and you get a slight discount.

 

[GamerMax73]

Credit were credit is due. MS are doing a lot of things right at the moment...

• XB1S - 4K Blueray and media services
• Gold
• 360 Backwards Compatibility
• Play Anywhere with Win10
• Now this...

It's only their seemingly lack of compelling 1st party titles that put me off, otherwise I'd say they are now the better deal between the two consoles. Come along way since the disastrous launch.

This is what competition breads and why we don't want to see either Sony or MS ever gain anything like a monopoly in the sector.

Hopefully, as a current PS customer, it will spur Sony into a suitable response? Even so, it's another feather in Scorpio's cap when it comes to re-evaluating the platform of choice once Sony have got their currently announced PS4 game out the way. (I'm too interested in certain up and coming games to consider an earlier switch - and cannot afford to run multiple platforms).

 

[StoppedInTracks]

Nah, other Publishers already joined XBOX PASS. So they could also Just join. .Also, more options are always better. No One is forced to buy it and you dont need Xbox Live at All.

I'm just specifically looking for the negatives here as it sounds kind of awesome.

Personally I am not so sure about gaming transferring to "as a Service" model and it goes for whole gaming not only MS or Sony.

 

[nillapuddin]

I would launch games in this service, give people a taste of multiplayer and then try and sell em at 50 bucks.

Maybe launching games could have a special shortened appearance, like a week or weekend. But I guarantee you would fall into some sales if you had it up at launch.

 

[Chris1]

How?

Not only do you have the option to ignore this completely and buy it regularly, but if your subscribed and you want to buy the game your playing, you then get a discount.

Sounds fine to me.

I'd argue this program makes it better for people who want to own their games too.

Look at EA Access, ever since that happened EA games have dropped in price crazy fast. They are all 50% off within a month or 2 these days except probably FIFA. Hell, you can get Mirrors Edge Catalsyt for $8 right now and the game has been out less than a year.

 

[Okami Haundo]

FYI the downloaded games can only be played for 30 days:

From the Game Pass FAQ: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/xbox-game-pass

That's not what that says at all... You can only play the games offline for 30 days before it requires you to go back online to validate. This says nothing about how long certain games will be available on the service at any given time.

Just wanted to clarify the language there.

 

[ChemicalWorld]

If any of the PGR games get announced for the service I will cry man tears. (Windows 10 bitch)

 

[zewone]

There's no point in "what ifs", this is a fact, it's just a digital service from which you can download a library of games, which includes games from XB1 and 360, not a game streaming service offering games from an old-gen platform.

I just don't understand why some people seem to be so eager to compare this to PSNow instead with EA Access, which is the same in every aspect.

It's pretty easy to see why there are comparisons. If you choose not to see those similarities, that's your prerogative.

 

[mikespit1200]

Nah, other Publishers already joined XBOX PASS. So they could also Just join. .Also, more options are always better. No One is forced to buy it and you dont need Xbox Live at All.



Wait so you think this will Not be Supported on Scorpio? Wat

I'm assuming Xbone games will carry over yeah, but I haven't heard anything concrete, might have missed it though.

 

[Sydle]

Absolutely. They want more of that subscription money.

They aren't offering this service from the goodness of their hearts or some kind of weird atonement for past mistakes. Nah, it's a great moneymaking venture for them and for some people it'll surely have it's intended value.

And more digital purchases so they get a larger cut of the sale.

 

[shawnoftheshred]

Not sure if this is a bug with the Alpha test, or how they intend to move forward, but EA Access Vault titles and the Game Pass games don't show up in the "Ready To Install" section on my Xbox. I have to go to the memberships, click one, and then download from there. I can see why they might move that way, if 100 games would make that section too overwhelming, but I also feel like I'm going to miss out on seeing all of my options so easily in one place. I hope that gets changed by the full release...

 

[Septic360]

So...esentially ps now?

No its not shit.

 

[Justinh]

This is really interesting. Not exactly sure if I'll like the lineup, but I'll give it a shot I think.

I pay 10 dollars a month for Netflix and I haven't watched a movie on it in like... 2-3 months.

 

[EvB]

I would launch games in this service, give people a taste of multiplayer and then try and sell em at 50 bucks.

Maybe launching games could have a special shortened appearance, like a week or weekend. But I guarantee you would fall into some sales if you had it up at launch.

That's exactly what they do with EA access. You get to play 10 hours of a new title , 10 days before it is out, then you can purchase it with a 10% discount if you'd like the full thing

 

[Jack The Nipper]

may be ok but now you really dont own those games

I think we all realize a subscription service is the future and they all want to be the go to one.

 

[Bsigg12]

Interesting development. I'm in the market for a PS4Pro but this gives me pause to consider waiting for Scorpio if I can have an instant game library assuming XBone BC...

The Scorpio is an Xbox One. Everything will work across both systems except VR.

 

[Okami Haundo]

Not sure if this is a bug with the Alpha test, or how they intend to move forward, but EA Access Vault titles and the Game Pass games don't show up in the "Ready To Install" section on my Xbox. I have to go to the memberships, click one, and then download from there. I can see why they might move that way, if 100 games would make that section too overwhelming, but I also feel like I'm going to miss out on seeing all of my options so easily in one place. I hope that gets changed by the full release...

Hmm... I honestly think I like that approach better than what you suggested. Right now my "ready to install" section is full of sports games that I'll never touch. I'd much rather have that stuff segregated into its own area so that I can keep track of what I actually own vs. what I "rent".

To each his/her own though.

 

[Kuro]

The fact that I have a PC makes Xbox useless to me but this is a cool little Netflix game service I guess. A little wary of it becoming the future though. I would be interested if Steam did something similar.

 

[Rembrandt]

may be ok but now you really dont own those games

You can still buy them if you want.

 

[zewone]

may be ok but now you really dont own those games

I think we all realize a subscription service is the future and they all want to be the go to one.

Do you own the movies you watch on Netflix?

Same idea basically.

 

[c0de]

FYI the downloaded games can only be played for 30 days:



From the Game Pass FAQ: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/xbox-game-pass

Well, it's a monthly subscription?

 

[a Master Ninja]

may be ok but now you really dont own those games

This is an alternative to traditional renting. $10 gets you a month to play a ton of games instead of just one or two. And you can still buy the games you want to keep for a discount.

On paper, this is damn smart and their competitors might have to respond to this.

 

[Raide]

Love the idea but in reality this should be bundled with Gold to increase it's value but after the success of EA Access, I can see why MS is going this direction.

 

[Gestault]

Huh. Yeah, you're right.

The big difference is that you're not paying for games individually, and that games that you "own" can rotate off the list.

You know, I bet this will actually be implemented as a 24-hour check in. Otherwise, you could subscribe, download 100 games, disconnect from the internet and unsubscribe, keeping your games.

I'm sure the details will emerge.

What? No. Non-permanent game licensed have used coded expiration dates for a long time now, which makes that whole effort you described basically pointless.

Heck, look at PS+ titles from the PSP days, they had built-in expiration dates. You would only need to "check in" to update your subscription status, which would update the expiration dates.

Love the idea but in reality this should be bundled with Gold to increase it's value but after the success of EA Access, I can see why MS is going this direction.

This goes well outside of what's been offered with Gold memberships. It makes sense as a separate subscription.

 

[EvB]

The fact that I have a PC makes Xbox useless to me but this is a cool little Netflix game service I guess. A little wary of it becoming the future though. I would be interested if Steam did something similar.

As we go forward more and more games are going to become Play Anywhere titles, so as a PC gamer you could still get value from this.

 

[c0de]

So basically Xbox Access? This sounds incredible, and only for $9.99.

Guys, EA Access totally was going to destroy gaming as we knew it. /s

Bish and Sony were right.

 

[nillapuddin]

That's exactly what they do with EA access. You get to play 10 hours of a new title , 10 days before it is out, then you can purchase it with a 10% discount if you'd like the full thing

Oh yeah youre right, Then yeah that is for sure happening.

A free week of Halo

Spoiler

3 Anniversary

hype

 

[FyreWulff]

FYI the downloaded games can only be played for 30 days:



From the Game Pass FAQ: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/xbox-game-pass

offline. meaning you can download and your One won't kill it for 30 days.

If the game stays in the catalog you probably just have to sign into Live and it'll reactivate the game.

 

[singhr1]

FYI the downloaded games can only be played for 30 days:



From the Game Pass FAQ: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/xbox-game-pass

played OFFLINE for 30 days... as long as you have an active subscription and the game is in the catalogue, you can play as long as you keep paying

 

[OdysseusVA]

They couldn't include it with the price of XBL Gold?

 

[EvB]

$10 a month in addition to your $60 a year Peer2Peer fee.

NoThxBi, Microsoft.

2006 skyped , it wants it's Xbox Live subscription complaints back.

 

[intheinbetween]

It's pretty easy to see why there are comparisons. If you choose not to see those similarities, that's your prerogative.

It's not my prerogative, but anyways, if it's so easy for you to see, please explain it to me.

I am just asking why are people comparing this with PSNow because it has very few similarities, if anything it's just a different digital library service, you could classify them as that, but the approach, method and result are totally different.

Maybe it's just because of console warz, I don't know, that's why I'm asking.

 

[wapplew]

The fact that I have a PC makes Xbox useless to me but this is a cool little Netflix game service I guess. A little wary of it becoming the future though. I would be interested if Steam did something similar.

Nothing to worry for, this is just service to give old game some value, also combat game rental service and second hand market.
It's great idea through and through, win win for customers and publisher.

 

[Chris1]

My thinking is that if the Xbox division shows that it can bring in a steady stream of revenue then they might be granted a bit more leeway into bringing in more studios and getting more IPs going.

This makes a lot of sense. There's obvious budget constraints going on at MS atm, and most of their new IP's flopping in sales they're probably hesitant to give them a hefty budget. Now Phil can just say "Okay then we'll put it on Game Pass and get a bunch of subscriptions", and I think that's a lot more appealing to the higher ups at MS who are heavy subscription focused (office etc)

 

[Crayon]

I don't think Sony will respond. They haven't budged on ea access.

 

[intheinbetween]

They couldn't include it with the price of XBL Gold?

if you mean at the same price, I can't see that happening or possible in any way.

 

[pezzie]

This sounds like a great service. I hope it does really well, I'd like to see Sony respond to it.

 

[Tyraniboah]

This is my worry as well.
I fear the game industry that I love is at risk of being ruined by the people that don't care that much about actually owning games. Just like what's currently happening to movies.
The majority just view games as something you use and then throw away.

Sadly this is how most gamers view their games. This is GAF, so most of us are an exception, but GameStop has been profiting for years off of players who finish a game and get rid of it immediately after. We are heading towards gaming as a service because companies view that as a more reliable method of bringing in revenue (I suppose it kind of is). It sucks, but I don't see any way to avoid it.

 

[yankeehater]

I would launch games in this service, give people a taste of multiplayer and then try and sell em at 50 bucks.

Maybe launching games could have a special shortened appearance, like a week or weekend. But I guarantee you would fall into some sales if you had it up at launch.

They already have free multiplayer weekends all the time on Xbox one.

 

[Dee Dah Dave]

What I want is a sub to bring back some live games with prizes like 1v100

 

[zewone]

I don't think Sony will respond. They haven't budged on each access.

They already have PS Now that is being under utilized.

All they would have to do is offer a better monthly rate at the very least. Right now there $20 a month isn't enticing anyone.

 

[Welfare]

They couldn't include it with the price of XBL Gold?

I mean, if you want Gold to cost $69.99 a year, sure.

This is something different than Gold so unless you want the cost of it to go up to accommodate this, it should cost a separate amount.

 

[Pif]

100 great titles means all titles have a metacritic of 8 and above?

Because if they offer me Ryse, that is far from great.

Still trashes Sony as their PS Never service...

 

[nillapuddin]

They already have free multiplayer weekends all the time on Xbox one.

Launch games though, brand new.

"New Halo is out this weekend, play a free trial with your Xbox Game Pass"


The free to play weekend of R6 Sieges last month made me buy it, wasn't even on my radar before.

They are hoping they can replicate that over and over

 

[AlexBasch]

I would launch games in this service, give people a taste of multiplayer and then try and sell em at 50 bucks.

Maybe launching games could have a special shortened appearance, like a week or weekend. But I guarantee you would fall into some sales if you had it up at launch.

Wouldn't have bought Rainbow Six Siege without the trial, I'm enjoying it a lot and wouldn't have known otherwise.

Some people I know bought Overwatch because of the last trial as well, it's a great move.

 

[Synth]

It sounds great but if my math is right it gets quite... uh expensive to be an always connected gamer:

$5 for EA Access
$10 for Xbox Access
$5 for Xbox Live
----

$20 per month.

Just wait till UbiSoft/ Activitision announce same kind of service and we will be hitting up to $50 monthly for "Games as a Service".

NOTE: I do not pay for any of those services and just googled the prices.

£8 for Netflix
£8 for Amazon Video
£4 for Crunchyroll
£8 for NowTV Entertainment Pass
£10 for NowTV Movie Pass
etc

Getting expensive for "Video as a service".

OR

You only subscribe to what you want, and ignore the others.

 

[Sydle]

What I want is a sub to bring back some live games with prizes like 1v100

This is one of the top-requested games on Xbox Uservoice, so I imagine they're thinking about it.

I would be surprised if something like it never came back. It seems like a great opportunity to use AI (MS is investing a lot here) and Bing (all the info they've indexed) to create something that more or less runs itself.

 

[Trup1aya]

I would launch games in this service, give people a taste of multiplayer and then try and sell em at 50 bucks.

Maybe launching games could have a special shortened appearance, like a week or weekend. But I guarantee you would fall into some sales if you had it up at launch.

I would definately experiment with lauding 1st party games into the service

 

[Jack The Nipper]

Do you own the movies you watch on Netflix?

Same idea basically.

I buy all my movies and have never payed for netflix though? I don't like the idea of not owning the games I play. Like I was saying, may be ok.

I'm not saying I wouldn't do it, but I do wait months sometimes years before I play the games I own or I can see issues with half finished games jumping off the service and never finishing them. It's an option I get that, and that is fine. I will have my own issues with it, but I'd rather still own most the games I'm playing. I'm stupid like that I guess.

There are some games I'm sure I may never go back to though like the shit new Tomb Raiders, but dumb me will still play them.

It gets expensive though between switch, sony and MS. online for all three, plus another 10 a month. It's just money so eh whatever.