Xbox Games to Lose Exclusivity
Microsoft announced that several exclusive Xbox games will soon be available on rival consoles. In a recent Official Xbox Podcast, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer confirmed that four Xbox games will no longer be exclusive, opening up access to players on other platforms.
While Spencer did not reveal specific titles, he mentioned that two games will be “community-driven” and two will be smaller titles. He hinted that the release of these games is not far off, indicating a shift in Xbox’s exclusivity strategy.
Expansion of Xbox Game Pass
Microsoft’s move away from exclusivity is further evidenced by its popular “Game Pass” subscription service, often likened to a Netflix for video games. The recent acquisition of video game maker Activision Blizzard has bolstered this effort, with the announcement that Diablo IV will be the first Activision Blizzard game available on Xbox Game Pass starting March 28.
Xbox President Sarah Bond emphasized that the goal is to make the Xbox experience and its games widely accessible. The addition of Activision Blizzard’s lineup, including games like Call of Duty and Overwatch, is expected to significantly boost Xbox’s standing in the gaming industry.
Microsoft’s Gaming Revenue Surge
Microsoft’s revenue from its personal computing business, encompassing Xbox games and services, saw a 19% growth to $16.89 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023, largely driven by the impact of Activision Blizzard. Notably, Xbox-related revenues surged by 61%, with a substantial portion attributed to the acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
The completion of the $69 billion purchase in October marked a milestone for Microsoft, following regulatory challenges and competition concerns. Despite opposition from rivals like Sony, Microsoft maintained that its approach aims to broaden access to popular games across various platforms, emphasizing the positive impact on the gaming ecosystem.