Microsoft is making waves within the games industry thanks to its continued shopping spree for studios to put under the Xbox Game Studios banner. Following a drought of compelling exclusives last generation, Xbox seems to be doing all the required moves to make up for its mistakes with Xbox One.
However, the biggest ace up Microsoft's sleeve is undoubtedly Xbox Game Pass, a comparatively unique effort. A subscription service that gives subscribers access to a plethora of over 100 games spanning multiple generations and genres, Xbox Game Pass is perhaps the biggest reason to own an Xbox right now. Bound to get better with time, Xbox is making big moves with the service to create a radical shift in the way fans purchase and play video games.
The Netflix-like Shift with Xbox Game Pass
Just like what Netflix achieved with its revolutionary subscription service model several years back, Microsoft is making the same moves with Xbox Game Pass to shift the fundamental way video games are consumed. It also helps that Microsoft is one of the biggest tech giants, which has helped create an interesting value proposition to its customers that competitors have found hard to beat.
Despite that, Xbox's market competition has already felt a need to adapt in order to survive given how aggressively Xbox Game Pass is expanding to corner as much of the market as possible. Rumors suggest that a competitor is in the works at Sony, and PS Plus games have seen a noticeable improvement in quality in recent months. Big-name publishers such as the likes of Ubisoft and EA have also introduced similar services.
Xbox Game Pass: Doing Good By Gamers
Xbox Game Pass has been an absolute godsend for gamers on a budget, as more AAA releases command a full retail price. Furthermore, many publishers including the likes of Sony, Activision, and EA are now bumping AAA game releases up to $70 at retail. While that's an arguable topic on its own, it's hard not to notice how Xbox is giving access to so many quality games at a comparatively affordable price point. Many indie developers have also been vocal about how Xbox Game Pass has allowed their games to reach a much wider audience.
Another issue that Xbox Game Pass seems to be tackling is allowing gamers to try out some of the biggest titles on launch day without any additional cost. The full spectrum of Xbox's first-party output will be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch day. Even some select third-party games like Outriders and Dungeons and Dragons: Dark Alliance are also part of the Game Pass lineup.
Pre-ordering games has been a long-standing tradition in the industry, but Xbox Game Pass allows fans to play some of the hottest games at launch without any upfront investment. Most gamers on a budget would likely point to this perk as the best reason to subscribe to Xbox Game Pass.