‘We don’t see a future where subscriptions are dominant’.
Earlier this month, GamesIndustry.biz ran an article about how the rise of streaming services and platforms could be a threat to game developers. From dodgy algorithms to a lack of viable funding for indie devs, it painted a harrowing picture of what a “Netflix of Games” could do to the industry. Thankfully, the article didn’t fall on deaf ears.
Microsoft got the message and even responded to with a new stance: “We don’t see a future where subscriptions are dominant.” Despite offering Xbox Game Pass and even introducing a new contract-based model for getting an Xbox One, Microsoft is stating that its intention is to never replace traditional business models with Game Pass. Game Pass is merely another option for customers.
Continuing further, Microsoft’s Ben Decker (Head of Gaming Services) stated, “We see a future where customers have a choice between a subscription and purchase-to-own, where there’s a mixed ecosystem because that’s what customers want, and that’s what developers want.” Speaking about the launch of Game Pass, Decker said, “What we get from our customers isn’t, ‘I want a subscription that has thousands and thousands of games.’ What we heard from them is, ‘I want a subscription with 100, or a little more than 100, games. But I want them to be really good games.”
Matt Percy (Head of Planning for Game Pass) noted that customers increased their time playing games on Xbox by 20% with the service. A “significant portion” of that time was spent in games not available on the service. In addition, another 40% showcased increased spending on games not included with Game Pass.
“What we want to do is make sure we provide the best service possible to our customers while also providing the best possible ecosystem for our partners and the most vibrant marketplace,” Decker reiterated. Be it signing up for a service or buying games outright, Microsoft is happy to accommodate different avenues for different people.
“We don’t see a future where subscriptions are dominant” – Microsoft [GamesIndustry.biz]