Crossbuy (Play Anywhere) =/= crossplay
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Correct. What also may be at play is that only the MP suite is coming to PC and will be F2P while retail purchasers will simply get an additional amount of loot boxes or early unlocks. Makes me wonder if the retail SP will be optional on XB1 if that were to be the case. I also imagine that if the campaign and other coop modes require XBL, PC players won’t get any network features unless they subscribe and that could put MS in a bit of marketing bind with the Play Anywhere moniker.
The basis I have for so deducing above is MS can’t ensure a level player experience on PC - too many system workarounds and nigh impossible to keep patching them out (minus cheating software, I’m referring simply to workarounds for control input). But it’s far more simplified on a platform you wholly control with a more favorable EULA that enables MS to monitor and alter as needed. Or split into controller-only or mixed playlists. And again, MS is going to want to Trojan horse XBL with Halo Infinite, so I’m sure that’s complicating measures somewhat.
Alternativey, MS is very much in an experimental mode, seeing what sticks and what the market responds to. Play Anywhere and Gamespass are consumer friendly but both cap the revenue upside. And with Halo - MS’ highest grossing first party title - I can discern why they might be reluctant to brand it as a single license product.
