Microsoft will bring several of its titles to other consoles such as Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5.
We can say that after a few days of uncertainty, this is the summary of the new strategy of the video game division of the North American company. Because in the past few days a ghost has been walking through the virtual world. The spirit of Microsoft's transition.
The truth is that in the last two weeks a rumor has spread like wildfire on the Internet (a rumor supported by leaks) that could significantly change the entire ecosystem of the world of video games. The rumor was that Microsoft, the company behind the Xbox consoles, was the company that had the most aggressive policy of purchasing studios in recent years (Mojang, Ninja Theory, Arkane, King, Bethesda and many more) until it ended with the gigantic takeover of Activision Blizzard), would have forgone exclusivity, would have competed directly with Sony and Nintendo, and would be open to becoming an all-platform video game development company.
Phil Spencer, the brains behind Microsoft's video game division in recent years, did not deny the rumors, but called people to an educational event held last week, demonstrating what should be no communication policy. The lies boiled. Speculation skyrocketed. There was even talk of abandoning console development and letting Sony take over, which would mark the most important change in the industry in years. The event eventually took place, but no one is entirely sure whether it cleared things up or muddied things further.
“We made the decision to bring four games to other consoles.” Ultimately, the demolition was controlled, but many see it as the first step in a complete restructuring of the video game sector. He didn't say which ones, but everyone points to it being Hi-Fi Rush, Pentiment, Grounded and Sea of Thieves. Other great exclusive titles on the platform, such as Starfield or the future and highly sought-after Indiana Jones, would remain exclusive. Currently.
In recent years, Microsoft has used its checkbook to corrupt the entire video game ecosystem. He bought studies that he didn't know how to use to get great results. It has launched a very powerful device, but it has suffered a loss in sales compared to its direct competitor, the PlayStation. In return, it has created a very attractive product: Game Pass, that kind of Netflix of interactivity that consists of a wide catalog of games in exchange for a monthly subscription. Nothing we play today would be the same without Microsoft.
But Game Pass has reached its limits. As the company announced two days ago, it has 34 million users. Given the company's expected growth forecasts, this is not enough. Microsoft has been able to maintain this often unfortunate level of investment for the simple reason that, now the largest company in the world, its market capitalization is twice the GDP of Spain. This means that you can shoot well with the king's gunpowder.
But even in a golden empire like Microsoft, the bosses' patience is running out. In a context where the playing public is stagnant and the chosen strategy has not brought the expected results, one cannot waste endlessly. Everything indicates that the expansion of recent years is over and that we are entering a phase of concentration and change. It won't be imminent, but these four games could be the first step in a very long journey. True things, friend Sancho.
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