Rumours, the internet’s most reliable source for information, have begun circulating that Xbox might be considering releasing some of their exclusive titles on Playstation. A move that would completely negate the need to own an Xbox. With Bethesda’s Starfield touted to be the first possible refugee from Microsoft. Though fans have also begun speculating that Microsoft may well be positioning themselves out of the hardware industry altogether, focusing instead on making Gamepass an inclusive service, available even on Sony products. Now this may seem like an exaggeration, perpetuated by the sallascious media and the Sony Pony’s, trotting on to X to relish in the misery of their contemporaries with their own inciting fabrications. Or perhaps Microsoft’s ambitions far exceed their means and that executives have just had enough of expending so many resources in attempts to make lasting strides in the industry? It’s difficult for a company as prestigious as Microsoft to still be so far behind its competitors. So as a committed loyalist to the equestrian cause, I should be rejoicing in the stagnation of the Xbox brand. Well, not really.
Listen, I’ve often criticised Microsoft for the procurement of successful publishers for billions, passing it off as some integrated flex, rather than creating something innovative themselves. Gamepass, or more specifically the live service in general, is one of the most anti consumer proposals ever conceived. Deceiving consumers into believing that perpetual rentals are “good value”. To be clear I don’t ascribe to the ludicrous belief that you must affiliate with one corporate brand, whilst vehemently admonishing the antics of another corporate brand. I just chose the console that featured the games that most appealed to me. That’s it. But let’s work under the assumption that these reports are true. That the valiant Pony’s have vanquished the oppressive Xbots and their insipid reign of mediocrity. And that future of Xbox lies not on exclusivity, but inclusivity. Microsoft publishing games on Sony hardware is probably the smartest, most financially lucrative move they could make. No more costly hardware to manufacture at least. Becoming a third party publisher could allow Microsoft to absorb and purchase other publishers, without the threat of legal sanctions that purport to their attempts at monopolising the games market. PlayStation gamers should see this news as anything other than a victory.
Firstly, Sony having a direct competitor to spar with, creates a necessary rivalry to motivate one another to outperform the other. Whether that’s price or content. Can you imagine what a company like Sony could potentially charge to consumers to play games on their consoles? Where do you turn to if there is no alternative? And second of all, imagine if Xbox focus solely on the consolidation of Gamepass. Restricting their acquisitions behind their paywall. Slowly accumulating more and to their exclusive proprietary brand? Perhaps all Microsoft really need to do is wait out the competition?
Game, Complain, Repeat 