This thinking ignores the profitability factor of being the chosen box (licensing fees, the 30% cut on microX from third-party software, etc.), MS is stupid if they are willing to give that up completely
They just spent almost 8 billion, I don't really think MS honestly gives a fuck about "30% cut" in regards to licensing fees. If that is what it takes to be on every device, that is like what MS would do. Would be like saying some shit like "MS is stupid if they are willing to give up 8 billion completely".
MS is in the business of making as much money as they can. I don't see them turning down the ability to be the Netflix of gaming because of a fucking licensing fee. Seeing the massive purchases they are making, any extra money is extra money. I don't think they are going to really care if they have to pay some fee tbh. It comically tries to limit their ambition while ignoring their historic purchase and their statements about being on every device.
Frankly, it doesn't even make sense.
Hezekiah
MS is playing the long game. Many don't see it and only are looking at last year or this year or next year etc not realizing this move has more to do with what they will do 10 or even 15 years from now.
"Would love to know how Zenimax will pay itself off inside four years ffs."
I'm not sure it will be in 4 years, but I feel confident they will pay it off. Fallout is getting a show, Elder Scrolls is rumored to be getting a show, its very likely MS knew a lot of this when they were deciding to purchase or not. If MS plans to be some massive 3rd party and gamepass on all devices, they are laying out the ground work to dominate and I think it makes a shit load of sense.
They have the money, those IPs are famous, those studios are even working on new IP, they are crossing over to shows and other mediums. It makes sense for MS to buy now to invest. Now I don't know if they'll pay this off in 4 years, but I think it will work for them in the end.
I personally only really play on 1 or 2 platforms and don't rent or stream or any of that, but I see the popularity, I see just how the future might actually play out with such things even if I personally don't play my games that way. Sony isn't going to be the leader in this area, Stadia I doubt will be, MS just bought Zenimax....its clear they will be a massive fucking force in that market when its time for them to reap their rewards.
Don't think about 4 years.
Think about 15 years and a generation of Call Of Duty and Fortnite gamers that casually game and want to jump in and out and lets say missed out on the PS8 launch lol. Look at how much people game just digitally.....in 15 years that might be the percentage of people that are gaming thru streaming or thru services. So MS move makes a lot of sense if you stop thinking about how they will make it back in 3 or 4 years or something.