Microsoft Makes Surprising Game Pass Admission
Update: February 14. an Xbox spokesperson has since released the following statement:
Xbox Game Pass offers gamers and game creators more choice and opportunity in how they discover, experience, and deliver games.
For gamers, that means providing another option for them to discover games and play with friends at a great value. For developers, that means creating another option for how they monetize their games.
We’re focused on helping game creators of all sizes maximize the total financial value they receive through Game Pass.
Each game is unique, so we work closely with creators to build a custom program to reflect what they need, ensure they are compensated financially for their participation in the service, and allow room for creativity and innovation.
As a result, the number of developers interested in working with Game Pass continues to grow.
The Xbox Game Pass has undoubtedly uprooted the way that we play games, and while it has been amazing for the consumer, there's been a lot of debate about just how helpful it is for the developer.
Microsoft has previously insisted that games are flourishing on the Game Pass, with titles like Halo Infinite seeing incredible player numbers at launch thanks to the existing subscribers to the service.
However, players have been worried that indie games are cursed to death when added to the service - lost in the swamp of the seemingly endless sum of titles. And now, it looks like our suspicions have been confirmed.
Xbox Admits That Game Pass Negatively Impacts Game Sales
Click to enlargeA new report from gamesindustry.biz reveals that Microsoft has admitted that a game's addition to the Game Pass has a habit of negatively impacting the sales of a game.
It makes perfect sense, given that playing a game for $10/£10 a month rather than $60/£60 up-front is much more appealing to consumers, but this is the first time we've seen Microsoft acknowledge the fact.
The gaming giant has stated that "a [redacted]% decline in base game sales twelve months following their addition [to Game Pass]," and though we don't know the specific number of losses that games are seeing, we know there is drop-off regardless.
Activision Blizzard Reveals It Doesn't Like Subscription Services
Interestingly, despite coming under the Xbox umbrella soon should their deal go through, Activision Blizzard admitted in the same report that it's not that keen on subscription services like Xbox Game Pass.
The company has revealed that it isn't keen on them as they "severely cannibalise B2P sales, particularly in the case of newer releases."
It's sure to raise a few eyebrows that Activision Blizzard is saying this, especially as its purchase by Microsoft is almost definitely going to lead to a wealth of the company's games taking to Game Pass. Sorry, everyone, but it's inevitable.
