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[ManaByte]

Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft’s true next-gen Xbox

Microsoft’s Xbox event showcased the future of Xbox Game Pass

www.theverge.com

If you were heading into Microsoft’s Xbox game showcase yesterday to witness a demonstration of why next-gen gaming and the “world’s most powerful console” matter, you were probably left a little disappointed. Microsoft’s event featured a solid showcase for the future of Xbox and Xbox Game Studios content, but it did little to convince me why I should buy an Xbox Series X. Instead, it made it clear that the Xbox Series X is just one of many ways you can play Xbox games, and that Microsoft’s true next-gen focus is Xbox Game Pass.

Microsoft showcased nine out of 15 of its studios yesterday, with five new Xbox Game Studios titles and four new third-party games. It was a roadmap for the Xbox Series X and its content but, more importantly, a roadmap for what to expect for Game Pass. There was a diverse amount of games on display, even if it wasn’t clear exactly when we’ll get to play most of them. Microsoft made a clear commitment throughout the showcase, though: every single game will arrive on Xbox Game Pass on day one

The Halo Infinite gameplay reveal has left fans unimpressive by the gameplay and visuals, and the overall art direction feels dated. Other fans simply want to see why the open world matters and 343 Industries’ plans for how Halo Infinite will adapt in years to come. But there are still a lot of these questions that remain unanswered just months ahead of launch.

Microsoft’s Xbox games showcase has left the Xbox Series X feeling like another entry point into Xbox Game Pass, rather than a necessary purchase. There are existing consoles that can also access Xbox Game Pass like the Xbox One S that Microsoft will continue to manufacture and sell. There are also the billion Windows 10 PCs out there or the millions of mobile devices that will get access to Xbox Game Pass through xCloud streaming. Xbox Series X is one of the best ways to play Xbox games, but it’s certainly not the only way or the broader focus of Microsoft’s ambitions with gaming.

Microsoft is also expected to launch a second, cheaper next-gen Xbox, possibly as soon as next month. This second console is designed as a more affordable option, with 1080p and 1440p monitors in mind. Microsoft is likely to reveal pricing for both the Xbox Series X and this second console, codenamed “Lockhart,” once it’s ready to officially confirm it exists.

Microsoft’s overall strategy with Xbox and the Xbox Series X is clearly different to what Sony is doing with the PlayStation 5. Sony is taking the more traditional route with a next-gen launch, focused on exclusive games for the PS5. Microsoft is investing in content for the long term to market Xbox Game Pass and to try to reach more people than a traditional next-gen console launch will.

 

[digoutyoursoul]

Prefer the more traditional route to be honest, never been a big fan of subscription services

“Put it in there, fix later”

 

[alabtrosMyster]

If MS doesn't care about their console, who are we to care for it?

 

[T-Cake]

I think I'd probably be tempted by a Game Pass + Lockhart combo to complement a PS5 but XSX is just off the cards now.

 

[Mista]

The Verge, please.

 

[TTOOLL]

Yep, that's what I've been saying. They specifically mentioned Xbox ConsoleS during the show. They do not really believe in generations.

 

[geordiemp]

Gamepass is a recipe for lack of ambition, striving to be the best at what you do as opposed to banging out games economically to fit a subscription model.

There is no lack of games to play, everyone has huge backlogs, we dont need filler.

I hope gaming does not go this way, I am happy to pay for effort and differentiation..

 

[Freeman]

Their nextgen is current gen?

 

[Deleted member 775630]

Gamepass is a recipe for lack of ambition, striving to be the best at what you do as opposed to banging out games economically to fit a subscription model.

There is no lack of games to play, everyone has huge backlogs, we dont need filler.

I hope gaming does not go this way, I am happy to pay for effort and differentiation..

Because their first party studios don't employ thousands of people putting in a lot of effort. Nice going...

 

[geordiemp]

Because their first party studios don't employ thousands of people putting in a lot of effort. Nice going...

But why have lots of mini studios or big ones with multi projects.....they could easily form 5 or 6 big ones and have some larger ambition is my point.

To me thats a management vision problem, MS should of been preparing for this moment for 7 years.

I would of done, would you ?

 

[Psykodad]

Yep, that's what I've been saying. They specifically mentioned Xbox ConsoleS during the show. They do not really believe in generations.

Is that why Everwild and that other game have apparently moved on to XSX only today?

 

[dorkimoe]

Gamepass is a recipe for lack of ambition, striving to be the best at what you do as opposed to banging out games economically to fit a subscription model.

There is no lack of games to play, everyone has huge backlogs, we dont need filler.

I hope gaming does not go this way, I am happy to pay for effort and differentiation..

Not sure i call any of this filler games....

• State of Decay 3 -
• Forza Motorsport -
• Fable -
• Avowed -
• Everwild -
• Stalker 2 -
• Warhammer 40,000 Darktide -
• The Medium -
• Halo Infinite -
• Grounded -
• Psychonauts 2 -
• The Gunk -
• New Genesis Phantasy Star Online 2 -

10 of the 13 games I would have paid full price for... game pass is a hell of a deal and I am so happy to see these being added Day 1 even.

 

[HerjansEagleFeeder]

How many times have we heard of variations of this blue ocean strategy and when ever have these supposed 2 billion potential new gamers bought into the platform? They're chasing a unicorn.

 

[Mista]

Yep, that's what I've been saying. They specifically mentioned Xbox ConsoleS during the show. They do not really believe in generations.

Doesn’t mean making “the most powerful console” to look like current gen. Why waste all the money and resources then?

 

[geordiemp]

Not sure i call any of this filler games....

• State of Decay 3 -
• Forza Motorsport -
• Fable -
• Avowed -
• Everwild -
• Stalker 2 -
• Warhammer 40,000 Darktide -
• The Medium -
• Halo Infinite -
• Grounded -
• Psychonauts 2 -
• The Gunk -
• New Genesis Phantasy Star Online 2 -

10 of the 13 games I would have paid full price for... game pass is a hell of a deal and I am so happy to see these being added Day 1 even.

And the only gameplay we saw was halo infinite, If you believe that was lovingly created AAA best in class I have no words.

 

[Hendrick's]

Not sure i call any of this filler games....

• Warhammer 40,000 Darktide -

Game of the show for me. Vermintide game set in 40K? Sign me the fuck up!

 

[dorkimoe]

And the only gameplay we saw was halo infinite, If you believe that was lovingly created AAA best in class I have no words.

I dont need gameplay of Fable or state of decay to know I would buy those.

You saw Gunk and PSO gameplay and Grounded

 

[TTOOLL]

Doesn’t mean making “the most powerful console” to look like current gen. Why waste all the money and resources then?

That's a good question. Their message hasn't been clear.
They are promoting the most powerful console while also pushing Windows PC and a weaker version of the beast.

 

[WelshBluebird]

The thing is, the game pass being their big bet would make a lot more sense if they weren't at the same time going on about the most powerful console etc.
Through all of their marketing messages, people expected yesterday to be a showcase of Series X games.
If you aren't going to have that, then what's the point of having the most powerful console?

 

[hemo memo]

When? The damn thing is launching in 3 months.

 

[Mista]

That's a good question. Their message hasn't been clear.
They are promoting the most powerful console while also pushing Windows PC and a weaker version of the beast.

They kept on repeating “the most powerful console” over and over again which made everyone think that they’re going in hard as a truck! Ended up not even demonstrating what they’ve been claiming for a year now. You get why people are going to shit on them now until they prove otherwise bro?

 

[turtlepowa]

Dude, seriously, just stop it. You would have more positive feedback with a turtle soup recipe on PETA forums than with a positive Xbox thread on NeoGAF.

 

[John254]

Yup. I love how fanboys want to drag them to the console war, when their priorities are clearly different.

Game Pass si incredible and I want to access the content. I could built a pc but I don't want to. So I will buy an XsX.

So no "I will buy a console because I want to access a content" but "I want to access content, and console is more convinient for me"

 

[Rikkori]

I'll be curious to see if they really do reveal a 2nd console. I know a lot of "insiders" keep swearing it's on its way but I gotta hear it from MS.

 

[nani17]

Why talk about it being the most powerful console on the market for months only for it to be actually its about gamepass.

Go look at the Xbox King Meme thread. The first few pages is all about how powerful it is and how PS5 isn't. The entire marketing around this generation has been the most powerful console but all of a sudden after a very bad showcase It's all about gamepass

Yes one day gamepass will be the future but you're sending mix messages that's why they've got backlash from many

 

[Entroyp]

Yup. I love how fanboys want to drag them to the console war, when their priorities are clearly different.

Game Pass si incredible and I want to access the content. I could built a pc but I don't want to. So I will buy an XsX.

So no "I will buy a console because I want to access a content" but "I want to access content, and console is more convinient for me"

Explain Tom Warren to us. Explain how come your comment makes any sense when MS has been feeding console warring rhetoric to their incel army when they don’t care about physical consoles.

 

[MisterXDTV]

Tom Warren in desperation mode....

 

[John254]

Explain Tom Warren to us. Explain how come your comment makes any sense when MS has been feeding console warring rhetoric to their incel army when they don’t care about physical consoles.

Example?
Stating that they have most powerful console? That's not "feeding console warring" that's just a fact. And when you are triggered by it then it's your issue

 

[magaman]

Not sure i call any of this filler games....

• State of Decay 3 -
• Forza Motorsport -
• Fable -
• Avowed -
• Everwild -
• Stalker 2 -
• Warhammer 40,000 Darktide -
• The Medium -
• Halo Infinite -
• Grounded -
• Psychonauts 2 -
• The Gunk -
• New Genesis Phantasy Star Online 2 -

10 of the 13 games I would have paid full price for... game pass is a hell of a deal and I am so happy to see these being added Day 1 even.

This is ignorant. We saw gameplay of Halo ONLY, and you've seen what kind of joke that has become. We saw a bunch of CGI trailers for games that will be launched within 3 years.

And if you really, truly think that half of those games are going to be AAA quality, you're absolutely insane. They're not going to provide any new experiences that couldn't be achieved on current gen systems because of MS's cross-generational stance. These will be glorified Xbox One games upscaled with some fancy effects, but it will not take full advantage of the hardware because of this absurd, backwards-ass stance that MS has decided to take.

 

[sinnergy]

Prefer the more traditional route to be honest, never been a big fan of subscription services

“Put it in there, fix later”

Netflix and Spotify tell different . Most hardcore like us are old dinosaurs.

 

[digoutyoursoul]

Netflix and Spotify tell different . Most hardcore like us are old dinosaurs.

And that's fine, each is own I guess

 

[Fake]

Is The Verge being The Verge?

 

[magaman]

Netflix and Spotify tell different . Most hardcore like us are old dinosaurs.

This is the whole problem. "Games as a service" come with the same problem as Netflix / Spotify. You're unified, your selection is what you see in front of you, and deviating from this is expensive. Libraries will be filled with fluff that no one wants to watch/play, and unless If you have a specific interest in what the system offers, you're likely going to be left in the cold.

Is it a great moneymaker? Clearly. Is it pro-consumer? No.

 

[geordiemp]

I dont need gameplay of Fable or state of decay to know I would buy those.

You saw Gunk and PSO gameplay and Grounded

Fable was interesting, and I watched the whole damn thing hoping about that rumoured Ninja Gaiden 4...

 

[BeardGawd]

Gamepass is a recipe for lack of ambition, striving to be the best at what you do as opposed to banging out games economically to fit a subscription model.

There is no lack of games to play, everyone has huge backlogs, we dont need filler.

I hope gaming does not go this way, I am happy to pay for effort and differentiation..

Netflix Originals are filler? Is there too much content on Netflix?

 

[John254]

This is the whole problem. "Games as a service" come with the same problem as Netflix / Spotify. You're unified, your selection is what you see in front of you, and deviating from this is expensive. Libraries will be filled with fluff that no one wants to watch/play, and unless If you have a specific interest in what the system offers, you're likely going to be left in the cold.

Is it a great moneymaker? Clearly. Is it pro-consumer? No.

And why?
I won't be proconsumer if it will be the only way to access games, which is not. You can still buy them in traditional way and own them digitally

 

[HelpYouFall]

Go look at the Xbox King Meme thread. The first few pages is all about how power it is and how PS5 isn't. The entire marketing around this generation has been the most powerful console but all of a sudden after a very bad showcase It's all about gamepass

Very true. But that narrative can change again once DF and such start releasing direct comparison vids of big budget non exclusives, IF the Series X outperforms the PS5 as consistently as the One X did with the Pro. Then all of a sudden Xbox can look like 'the cool machine' again. I have no doubt PS5 will win this generation handily again, they sit on that throne very comfortably. But I don't get all this insane hate because Halo kind of shit the bed last night. I think there's plenty of good stuff in the pipeline for MS's platforms. Their outlook on titles in development looks better than it has in years.

 

[Danteyke223]

Gamepass is a recipe for lack of ambition, striving to be the best at what you do as opposed to banging out games economically to fit a subscription model.

There is no lack of games to play, everyone has huge backlogs, we dont need filler.

I hope gaming does not go this way, I am happy to pay for effort and differentiation..

If that was true you wouldn't get Netflix having quality shows and movies, you would get shit all the time. Not saying there is no shit on Netflix, but look at DARK the german tv show ? Who the hell would have tried to finance that in the traditional media ? I would say that with gamepass and such services you'll see more niche games taking prominence. You think Gamepass will be about Live service games that takes years to maintain? That is on the brink of collapse with Bungie the only one left standing and even that's cause the gunplay is good, but the fanbase has the worst - love/hate relationship i've seen. Division 2 underperformed, and Anthem bombed so hard that it was a laughingstock of the industry.

What this service will do is create more variety, as you can't just prop up the service with COD or Destiny or Fifa every year, cause then that does not excite the consumer base.

 

[geordiemp]

Netflix Originals are filler? Is there too much content on Netflix?

Netflix works for me, especially the series are really high quality. I dont watch Titans and think wow they cut corners and budget. Not every series is my cuppa, but the production and quality is there and great actors.

But If they started with poor effects, learner actors and just trash, then there would be uproar.

 

[magaman]

And why?
I won't be proconsumer if it will be the only way to access games, which is not. You can still buy them in traditional way and own them digitally

How long do you think "traditional" will last?

So we're clear, if you "own" a digital copy of the game, you don't technically own it. It's more akin to a ride pass at Disney World. You have a ticket, and you can get in. Lose it, or change systems? Good luck! The resell market will tank because of it. Bye bye, game retailers!

This has ripple effects that are inherently anti-consumer.

 

[John254]

How long do you think "traditional" will last?

So we're clear, if you "own" a digital copy of the game, you don't technically own it. It's more akin to a ride pass at Disney World. You have a ticket, and you can get in. Lose it, or change systems? Good luck! The resell market will tank because of it. Bye bye, game retailers!

This has ripple effects that are inherently anti-consumer.

Yes. We exchanged convinience for options. Sucks for collectors. But they are in huge minority and market speak for itself...

 

[Deleted member 775630]

But why have lots of mini studios or big ones with multi projects.....they could easily form 5 or 6 big ones and have some larger ambition is my point.

To me thats a management vision problem, MS should of been preparing for this moment for 7 years.

I would of done, would you ?

Guy on Twitter said xbox game studios was only able to start make decisions on their own since 2018. Also those small studios are all on a hiring spree, they are becoming big. It'll just take time.

 

[alabtrosMyster]

Netflix and Spotify tell different . Most hardcore like us are old dinosaurs.

I don't recall Netflix ever having content issues (except now, there is fragmentation on the online streaming services market and that is getting annoying).

 

[Quasicat]

Buying a new box every generation is not something I enjoy; I do it as a means to an end in order to play the new stuff. I already have Game Pass, and if it gives the me chance to play new games without needing to buy a new box, I’m happy with that.

 

[McHuj]

I guess I'm not interested in gamepass until they really increase their content substantially or can pull in third parties.

As it stands right now, I want to play a variety of games and they're not all available on one service. I'm better off buying here and there.

 

[Kokoloko85]

Sounds like excuses.
I thought its all about the most powerful console and a Lockhard? But now its all about subcription?

If its all about subcription and not console sales, then Xbox needs to leave the console race and be a subcription service like they are for the PC.

In that case Xbox should offer a 1st & 2nd party only version of Gamepass for PS5 and Switch. They can both make money and MS doesn’t have to worry about the console sales now that its “all” about gamepass lol

 

[I Love Rock 'n' Roll]

Tom Warren in desperation mode....

Cry baby cry, make your mother sad....

 

[Freeman]

I don't get MS obsession with subscription, they already have people paying for Xbox Live which is an absolute robbery/abomination. They are doing all this effort for an extra $5 a month? Seems fishy to me.

To me they are trying to create a worse model than F2P, that is safer and more profitable to them.

 

[Bitmap Frogs]

This is ignorant. We saw gameplay of Halo ONLY, and you've seen what kind of joke that has become. We saw a bunch of CGI trailers for games that will be launched within 3 years.

And if you really, truly think that half of those games are going to be AAA quality, you're absolutely insane. They're not going to provide any new experiences that couldn't be achieved on current gen systems because of MS's cross-generational stance. These will be glorified Xbox One games upscaled with some fancy effects, but it will not take full advantage of the hardware because of this absurd, backwards-ass stance that MS has decided to take.

PC gameplay of Halo.

 

[EverydayBeast]

Microsoft achieved the ability to experiment with services like Gamepass (they see it as the next big thing) and xCloud because of what they accomplished with Xbox Live.