During E3, Xbox and Bethesda had their first engagement together since Microsoft’s purchase of the studio last year. This announcement revolutionized and ignited several spots in the industry, especially for the exclusive titles that would come out for the platform.
And although the announcements of the games were expected, perhaps the great news comes from the format in which they can be played. Today, although there are subscription services for games such as PlayStation Now or Prime Gaming, exclusive ones from studios such as EA Play or Ubisoft +, or Mobile ones such as Apple Arcade, the reality is that Xbox Game Pass seems to have taken steps forward. with the series of games exclusively and available through its platform.
Despite the fact that until January of this year Game Pass already had more than 18 million users, and that it had grown by 100% compared to April of last year, the service seemed to be anchored to past games, remasters or remakes for the new generation of Xbox consoles. However, at this E3, 27 of the 30 announced games will be included in the subscription service.
The Microsoft, Xbox and Bethesda showcase: the best of E3?
When it was announced last year, the continuity of the service was questioned based on which games would be released within the platform. This E3 has been the perfect excuse to show all the advances that will come not only this year, but also the promise of games until 2022. Exclusive Microsoft premieres such as the return of Halo, with Halo Infinite, Stalker 2, Forza Horizon 5, Flight Simulator, or the inclusion of external studies with Hades or Back 4 Blood, give the certainty that the platform will grow.
Although the number of users is growing, it is still far from the “traditional” subscription services such as the 114 million PS Now, the 120 million on Steam or the same 100 million Xbox Live, but on the other hand, Game Pass is a premium gaming service, which includes a whole range of games, online service and inclusion of other platforms such as EA Play and discounts in the Microsoft store. Having about 20% of your subscribers in a premium format promises to be a good omen in a year of operation.
The profitability of what was announced by Xbox at E3
For now, it seems that Microsoft is progressing more than the others in the development of games exclusively for the platform, but it raises suspicions on several issues. First, the price of the subscription, today in Mexico monthly costs 229 pesos per month, while the games launched are around 1,200 to 1,700 pesos. In addition, online subscription services, in general, are around 120 pesos per month (although they depend on annual, quarterly subscriptions, etc.)
This brings into consideration whether the Game Pass format can actually sustain the production of games that need years of development. According to estimates, a current “triple A” game can cost 100 million dollars, and this without counting the updates, skins and customizations of games with “seasons”
This could have two readings, the first is that it is an Xbox strategy to gain market, even at a loss, place the new range of consoles and attract PC players to subscription, thanks to the volume of games, and as in In general, streaming services, increasing prices on a daily basis or in the medium term, large launches will be off-platform. Or the second is that Microsoft seeks to generate a volume of subscriptions such that it allows to cover costs and generate profits, find the balance between launches, royalties and remasters in order to offer an “all in one” game.
E3 2021 Summary
Among the games that were most eagerly awaited are: Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BotW), which has become one of the favorite games, along with Ocarina of Time from the Zelda franchise. This presentation took place in the, where not only this title was presented, but several that entire families will be able to play around the world.
In addition to this title, the presentations of Elden Ring stood out, which was created in collaboration between FromSoftware and the famous Game of Thrones writer, George RR Martin, as well as Death Stranding Director’s Cut, which will arrive exclusively for PS5 in just a few weeks.
At the Ubisoft conference, titles such as Far Cry 6, Just Dance 2022, as well as Rainbow Six: Extraction stand out.
Within the Xbox conference, Battlefield 2042 gameplay was also shown, details of Forza Horizon 5, which will take place in landscapes of Mexico, as well as the release date of Sea of Thieves: A Pìrate ‘s Life, which was confirmed for June 22.
