Support NeoGAF

[IbizaPocholo]

Microsoft would like to see Game Pass on all platforms

We had a talk with Ben Decker and Matt Percy from Microsoft about the future of the service at Gamescom.

www.gamereactor.eu

During an interview which will soon arrive on Gamereactor's site, we asked head of gaming services Ben Decker about what the future would hold for the service in an ideal world, to which he said:

"You know, we would like to see Game Pass on all platforms ultimately and I think that is a long term goal. We don't have any specific plans today, but we would love to see Game Pass really go everywhere."

 

[DunDunDunpachi]

Yep, a lot of folks have been saying this for months/years.

From Microsoft's perspective, it is right in line with their aims. Streaming and GaaS on a walled garden kind of cuts you off at the knees. Better to go the Netflix model and open up your products to the broadest range of customers possible. I still expect Switch to be the first non-MS platform to get Game Pass.

 

[DeltaPolarBear]

Yep, a lot of folks have been saying this for months/years.

From Microsoft's perspective, it is right in line with their aims. Streaming and GaaS on a walled garden kind of cuts you off at the knees. Better to go the Netflix model and open up your products to the broadest range of customers possible. I still expect Switch to be the first non-MS platform to get Game Pass.

Minecraft basically caused this, I suspect. MS probably realised it is not viable to make Minecraft 2, Xbox exclusive, and then realise why even bother making Exclusives if their literal best selling game isn't getting involved?

Minecraft basically forced the door open and refused to let it shut. MS CEOs are staring at the profits Minecraft is making, and see that it is counter to walled gardens.

 

[mejin]

 

[Bogroll]

But i thought.....never mind.

 

[VAL0R]

I expect this is why MS has just said 'no more Xbox exclusives planned on rival consoles.' If you can get great Game Pass content like Ori outside of Game Pass, you lower the incentive to buy into the Game Pass service. Because MS' strategy going forward is Game Pass centric above all else (yes, even above selling their own hardware), they need to limit the access of their Game Pass content outside of the service.

Putting Game Pass on Switch or PS5 will make MS a fortune, if it ever happens. The only roadblocks will be Sony and Nintendo. Xbox will take your $10.00/month anywhere you are willing to give it to them. It might be semantics but this is technically consistent with their messaging. They wouldn't be putting their games on the PS5, but their games service. There is a meaningful difference there.

 

[Vawn]

Lol, of course they would. Hopefully, Sony and Nintendo are too smart for that.

 

[DanielsM]

They might allow it but they take 30% (throwing number out there) cut of the revenue, I don't see the difference between it and EA Access. But I am a little confused, Microsoft said their games wouldn't be on PS. Of course, not sure why third party developers/publishers would want to give a cut to microsoft and sony/nintendo - as at least two parties would have to be paid instead of one.... so that just leave Microsoft develop/published games.

Also, the article says "The Xbox Game Pass subscription model has been a hit for Microsoft so far", if so, why are they giving it away? (not a real sustainable model)

 

[Fake]

They want money? Why?
/s

 

[VAL0R]

Lol, of course they would. Hopefully, Sony and Nintendo are too smart for that.

I'm not sure it would hurt them at all. Let's say 15 million Nintendo users are willing to pay $10.00/month to have GP on Switch and Microsoft gives Nintendo, I don't know, a 15% cut off the top. Nintendo banks $270,000,000/year and does almost nothing. Maybe MS throws a bonus Azure discount in when running Nintendo's online network on MS servers. There are huge piles of money to be made if the subs are there.

Can't most Nintendo fans sub to a service like this and still pay for the occasional Nintendo first party Zelda, Mario and Metroid or whatever? Yes. Unless Nintendo plans a rival service, I'd wager they at least strongly consider it.

 

[Mr Hyde]

If the next generation Xbox goes up in flames sales wise I can see Microsoft pull out of console hardware and just double down on Game Pass and streaming, getting it on all devices and act solely as a publisher/game creator.

 

[DanielsM]

I'm not sure it would hurt them at all. Let's say 15 million Nintendo users are willing to pay $10.00/month to have GP on Switch and Microsoft gives Nintendo, I don't know, a 15% cut off the top. Nintendo banks $270,000,000/year and does almost nothing. Maybe MS throws a bonus Azure discount in when running Nintendo's online network on MS servers. There are huge piles of money to be made if the subs are there.

Can't most Nintendo fans sub to a service like this and still pay for the occasional Nintendo first party Zelda, Mario and Metroid or whatever? Yes. Unless Nintendo plans a rival service, I'd wager they at least strongly consider it.

Yeah, but third party dev/pubs are in essences paying two companies for something the platform holder can give them for instance on PS Now. Why is Microsoft needed at all? Microsoft isn't needed as a middleman.

No there isn't huge amounts of money to be made, its just a rental service.... and for the most part its going to be renting old games, unless they go to a tier system.... just that's moving money from one pocket to another, imo.

 

[DeltaPolarBear]

I expect this is why MS has just said 'no more Xbox exclusives planned on rival consoles.' If you can get great Game Pass content like Ori outside of Game Pass, you lower the incentive to buy into the Game Pass service. Because MS' strategy going forward is Game Pass centric above all else (yes, even above selling their own hardware), they need to limit the access of their Game Pass content outside of the service.

Putting Game Pass on Switch or PS5 will make MS a fortune, if it ever happens. The only roadblocks will be Sony and Nintendo. Xbox will take your $10.00/month anywhere you are willing to give it to them. It might be semantics but this is technically consistent with their messaging. They wouldn't be putting their games on the PS5, but their games service. There is a meaningful difference there.

Remember that as soon as MS separate Xbox from Gamepass, Third Party studios would have no reason to get involved in Gamepass.

Gamepass would become JUST Microsoft games. Without a console install base, they would have nothing to attract third parties. EA for example, would just deal with Sony directly and pay them, rather than deal with Gamepass that run on PS5, which would give EA a far smaller cut of the profits.

 

[Birdo]

My Casio F91W is ready.

 

[DanielsM]

Remember that as soon as MS separate Xbox from Gamepass, Third Party studios would have no reason to get involved in Gamepass.

Gamepass would become JUST Microsoft games. Without a console install base, they would have nothing to attract third parties. EA for example, would just deal with Sony directly and pay them, rather than deal with Gamepass that run on PS5, which would give EA a far smaller cut of the profits.

Nice post. Spencer sold Nadella a bill of goods.

Once you go to an open system or someone else's system, no real incentive for third parties to use you (MS) as a middleman... why do third parties need MS as a middleman when the other platforms already serve that function? (its all very strange)

 

[DeepEnigma]

Of course they would.

 

[Kagero]

Smart. In the future we will all own XBOX's

 

[Pagusas]

If that happens, then they leave the hardware business right after. Slippery slope where third parties instantly would abandon the service, MS only games would be on there, and suddenly their is absolutely 0 leverage to market an Xbox console (other than hardcores like us that care about dedicated hardware, but we are all a minority that cant support a hardware business).

 

[DunDunDunpachi]

Smart. In the future we will all own XBOX's

Checkmate, Sony ponies. You can't beat Xbox console sales when every console is an Xbox.

 

[Thabass]

But i thought.....never mind.

Once again:

YES, NO, MAYBE.....I DON'T KNOOOOOOOOW
CAN YOU REPEAT THE QUESTION

 

[Woo-Fu]

In related news I'd like a tree that grows $100 bills.

 

[DanielsM]

Checkmate, Sony ponies. You can't beat Xbox console sales when every console is an Xbox.

The irony is Sony supports more Microsoft operating systems than Microsoft does, Sony supports Win7, Win8.1, and Win10 for PS Now for example. I'm assuming xCloud will only be available for Win10 and 1903 like GamePass. (smh)

 

[Generic]

I can see it happening on Switch but not on PlayStation.

 

[hunthunt]

I can clearly visualize Microsoft pulling a Dreamcast with the next Xbox if it fails, they invested way too much in first party teams and slow sales would definitively put the sail in the coffin to their advenures as console makers.

 

[Breakage]

Xbox as a bespoke fixed hardware platform with exclusive content doesn't fit in with Microsoft's cloud vision. The talking heads can't admit it so they have to resort to these sort of statements because they still want people to buy the next Xbox.

 

[BootsLoader]

I’m really confused with Microsoft. They change strategies and opinions like T-Shirts.

 

[benjohn]

I don't care if xbox fails that I can play all games I want on one platform is excellent. Do this Microsoft

 

[BootsLoader]

I don't care if xbox fails that I can at all games I want on one platform is excellent. Do this Microsoft

I think they have a plan b in case their console fails again. Generally they’ll become more of a service in the future and less a console.

 

[Vawn]

"We are proud to announce we are putting our games on other platforms. However, you choose to play, you can enjoy great Microsoft games on your platform of choice!"

"We are done putting our games on other platforms. Go buy an Xbox."

"We want to put our games and subscription services on all platforms!"

All these comments in the course of a week. I don't think MS has a single vision for the near future (or even present) of Xbox. They're talking out both sides of their mouths and seem to be even confusing themselves.

 

[Teslerum]

"We are proud to announce we are putting our games on other platforms. However, you choose to play, you can enjoy great Microsoft games on your platform of choice!"

"We are done putting our games on other platforms. Go buy an Xbox."

"We want to put our games and subscription services on all platforms!"

All these comments in the course of a week. I don't think MS has a single vision for the near future (or even present) of Xbox. They're talking out both sides of their mouths and seem to be even confusing themselves.

Edit: I might have to research this more.

Edit2: Actually, four times There was that interview where they said that they want to keep MAJOR releases exclusive. Probably closest to the truth.

 

[benjohn]

I think they have a plan b in case their console fails again. Generally they’ll become more of a service in the future and less a console.

Yeah I think that's their plan. At this point this is best for everyone

 

[DunDunDunpachi]

That never happened.

Microsoft has "no plans" to release more Xbox exclusives on PS4 or Nintendo Switch.

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-08-20-microsoft-has-no-plans-to-release-more-xbox-exclusives-on-ps4-or-nintendo-switch Microsoft has 'no plans' to release more exclusive Xbox games on other consoles. In a statement to GamesIndustry.biz, Microsoft has played down future releases...

www.neogaf.com

 

[Teslerum]

Microsoft has "no plans" to release more Xbox exclusives on PS4 or Nintendo Switch.

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-08-20-microsoft-has-no-plans-to-release-more-xbox-exclusives-on-ps4-or-nintendo-switch Microsoft has 'no plans' to release more exclusive Xbox games on other consoles. In a statement to GamesIndustry.biz, Microsoft has played down future releases...

www.neogaf.com

Yep saw it right after, already adjusted my post as well. I thought of that other Matt Booty interview two weeks ago.

 

[Generic]

I don't care if xbox fails that I can play all games I want on one platform is excellent. Do this Microsoft

You already can play almost every game on PC.

 

[DanielsM]

"We are proud to announce we are putting our games on other platforms. However, you choose to play, you can enjoy great Microsoft games on your platform of choice!"

"We are done putting our games on other platforms. Go buy an Xbox."

"We want to put our games and subscription services on all platforms!"

All these comments in the course of a week. I don't think MS has a single vision for the near future (or even present) of Xbox. They're talking out both sides of their mouths and seem to be even confusing themselves.

My take is a little different and something I've been saying for some time here.

They can't let the cat out of the bag as all of the "services" are not completed. They want to keep the Xbox user around as these people are currently the whales (paying for Xbox Live/Game Pass) of the group. I do agree with what you are saying though.... they are not moving fast enough.... the hit to revenue is going to quite massive going forward, Xbox is about to get much smaller.

 

[Mass Shift]

I can see it happening on Switch but not on PlayStation.

And yet Sony is now a MS Azure client.

What I've learned about this industry over the years is that what we think will never happen........often does. From the most unthinkable acquisitions to the most unlikely partnerships.

Sh*t happens.

 

[DanielsM]

And yet Sony is now a MS Azure client.

What I've learned about this industry over the years is that what we think will never happen........often does. From the most unthinkable acquisitions to the most unlikely partnerships.

Sh*t happens.

Sony is not an Azure client, they signed an understanding to possibly work together on technologies, one of which is using Azure. (one day there could be a collaboration on tech, many of these companies are both competitors and partners... google and microsoft have many business arrangements for an example)

The current state, at this time, is that both Microsoft and Sony have signed a "broad memorandum of understanding" when looking at future projects together, which has unlimited potential as to what in particular that could affect. Ryan also added that there's not set-in-stone contract, simply a broadened partnership when tackling the next generation, which is great news for what it means between the divisive consoles and what the differing platforms have to offer.

PlayStation CEO Reveals More Details On Recently Announced Collaboration With Microsoft

Microsoft and Sony, together at last. Sort of, but PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan needs to clarify a few things first.

primagames.com

 

[Mass Shift]

Sony is not an Azure client, they signed an understanding to possibly work together on technologies, one of which is using Azure. (one day there could be a collaboration on tech, many of these companies are both competitors and partners... google and microsoft have many business arrangements for an example)

Sony is using Azure data centers. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.

Their agreement is like a side deal to collaborate on relevant gaming technologies, which also includes the leveraging of Sony's semiconductor and image sensor tech as a hybrid in the Azure framework.

 

[DanielsM]

Sony is using Azure data centers. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.

Their agreement is like a side deal to collaborate on relevant gaming technologies, which also includes the leveraging of Sony's semiconductor and image sensor tech as a hybrid in the Azure framework.

Where are you getting information from?

Please see the link I already provided, Sony (Ryan) clarified that they have no contracts with Microsoft this was in May during Investor's Relations Day, iirc.

So... about those ifs, ands or buts....

37 of 41.... "there is no partnership between Sony and Microsoft" i.e. "talks".

Sony Corporation 　Sony IR Day 2019 Game & Network Services

www.irwebmeeting.com

Are you saying Sony is intentionally providing investors false information? i.e. potentially securities fraud.

 

[benjohn]

You already can play almost every game on PC.

Sure. Unfortunately though pc gaming is super expensive in my country. I have a pc but it's not capable of running games as well as my pro

 

[I'm nobody]

180 keeps happening at x box

 

[Mass Shift]

Where are you getting information from?

Please see the link I already provided, Sony (Ryan) clarified that they have no contracts with Microsoft this was in May during Investor's Relations Day, iirc.

So... about those ifs, ands or buts....

37 of 41.... "there is no partnership between Sony and Microsoft" i.e. "talks".

Sony Corporation 　Sony IR Day 2019 Game & Network Services

www.irwebmeeting.com

Are you saying Sony is intentionally providing investors false information? i.e. potentially securities fraud.

Engadget
The Verge

Both articles have quotes on the partnership and Sony's use of Azure data servers.

 

[spawn]

Even on PS4? We gonna have Halo on a sony console?

 

[DanielsM]

Engadget
The Verge

Both articles have quotes on the partnership and Sony's use of Azure data servers.

And what I gave you was after those releases, Sony clarified that there is "no contracts" and "no partnership"... they simply signed a mutual agreement to talk about and explore a partnership at some point. I even gave you the webinar for their investor's day which was on May 21st. Sony as of May 21st has no contracts or agreements to use Azure for PS Now or PSN, at least that is what he said or implied within the discussion (see Q&A). May 21st comes after May 16th. Even the information you provided does not say Sony uses Azure, it says they are going to explore a partnership, Sony clarified on May 21st there really isn't a partnership at this stage and only a mutual understanding to maybe one day work together.

Its right in the webinar that you quote from me and even the articles you provided don't say what you say they say... neither articles says Sony uses Azures for PSN/Now.

Sony Group Portal - Business Segment Briefings 2022

www.sony.net

Even on PS4? We gonna have Halo on a sony console?

I would imagine the only thing that will be available will be Microsoft 1st party titles, and they would have to pay Sony for access probably a percentage of revenue i.e. EA Access.

Why not to Halo or whatever? That's the whole point really, going to where the customers are.

 

[SonGoku]

I doubt Sony will allow MS to profit from PlayStation user base without taking a considerable cut
They'd also have to release games the traditional way digital and physical

 

[DanielsM]

I doubt Sony will allow MS to profit from PlayStation user base without taking a considerable cut
They'd also have to release games the traditional way digital and physical

I would assume you would be correct on all points, also, not sure Sony would ever allow 3rd party titles to be a part of the subscription as they have their own subscription service i.e. PS Now. Its really a very inefficient way for 3rd parties to rent or distribute their games, why would a 3rd party use Microsoft to distribute a game on Playstation when they already have the same services on PS? Its basically double middlemen for no real purpose. EA is only distributing EA games via EA Access, so I guess its possible for something like that, just not sure about how 3rd parties would work... Sony would to make even more money on it if so.

Spencer sold Nadella a bill of goods, imo.

 

[Vawn]

Even on PS4? We gonna have Halo on a sony console?

Microsoft WANTS that. I seriously doubt Sony would allow that.

Not Halo - of course, Sony would allow Halo on PS5. But, I can't envision a world where Sony would allow to have their own subscription service on Sony's platform.

 

[Mass Shift]

I'm not sure what people think this is, but Sony approached Microsoft. Not the other way around. Nadella mentions it numerous times. I can sight one article with a quote.

Sony is going to be using Azure?

That’s a core piece of the partnership. They also have—beyond gaming—other assets, like interesting devices and silicon (chip) businesses, which could be interesting in the context of what we’re doing in Azure.

Overall, if you look at all the parts of these businesses, whether it’s in entertainment, gaming, or the camera businesses, all of these things can use more cloud computing power. But they can also go-to-market with Microsoft in some industrial cases, especially for their things around cameras.

Fortune

Funny, Nadella seems to be under the impression that not only is it a partnership, but that Sony will use Azure for it's gaming. Sony was already using Azure servers for Crackle.

I mean this is the entire point. Sony doesn't have the infrastructure or the resources to provide for it's own streaming service. If anyone thinks that all of this is going to yield some other result, then you are going to be in for a ridiculous shock.

 

[DanielsM]

Sony doesn't have the infrastructure or the resources to provide for it's own streaming service.

Since PS Now has been operational for 5 years and Gaikai since about 2010, not sure what you mean by "doesn't have the infrastructure", if they want it to be more cost effective or additional technology maybe... meaning they don't want to be involved in building out server farms. I actually look at basic cloud services as more of a commodity play, who cares where the iron ore, coal or natural gas comes from.
If I can spin up a Linux box in Azure or spin one up in AWS, what's the real difference... usually just costs.


The biggest issues I see with cloud gaming are:

- No customer or demand (for obvious reasons)
- seems like their is an inability or difficulty to virtual the console hardware (at least my understanding)... beyond my pay grade as far as this.

If Sony can VM the console than it makes moving to a more traditional cloud services structure make more sense.

The Xboxes even in xCloud are just custom rack mounted Xboxes... all of this is terrible way of doing things for both Sony and Microsoft. Of course, we're all pretending like there is actually demand for game streaming but the reality is... there isn't any real demand.

Funny, Nadella seems to be under the impression that not only is it a partnership, but that Sony will use Azure for it's gaming.

I think he wanted to word things in a more positive light, but he doesn't say that at all.... you are saying that. They either have a contract/s or they don't. I would suggest you read slower and watch Sony's presentation and interview after IRD, they clearly say they have "no contracts" and "no partnership".... all they have is a mutual understanding to possibly work on some tech and maybe for a partnership.

 

[Mass Shift]

Since PS Now has been operational for 5 years and Gaikai since about 2010, not sure what you mean by "doesn't have the infrastructure", if they want it to be more cost effective or additional technology maybe... meaning they don't want to be involved in building out server farms. I actually look at basic cloud services as more of a commodity play, who cares where the iron ore, coal or natural gas comes from.
If I can spin up a Linux box in Azure or spin one up in AWS, what's the real difference... usually just costs.


The biggest issues I see with cloud gaming are:

- No customer or demand (for obvious reasons)
- seems like their is an inability to virtualized the console hardware (at least my understanding)

If Sony can VM the console than it makes moving to a more traditional cloud services structure.

The Xboxes even in xCloud are just custom rack mounted Xboxes... all of this is terrible way of doing things.

That's the most COST EFFECTIVE way to do it.

But Sony won't be using xCloud. They're using Azure data servers.