Microsoft wants Xbox Game Pass on PlayStation and Nintendo consoles

Microsoft has been expanding its Xbox Game Pass service to various platforms, including PCs, mobile devices, and even smart TVs. But what about the other big console manufacturers, Sony and Nintendo? According to a recent interview with Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, Microsoft is interested in bringing Xbox Game Pass to PlayStation and Nintendo consoles as well.

In an interview with The Verge, Spencer said he wants Xbox Game Pass to be "as ubiquitous as Netflix" and that he's open to conversations with Sony and Nintendo about integrating the service into their ecosystems. He said that he believes gamers should have access to their games and subscriptions across different devices and that he respects other companies' hardware and software choices.

Spencer also acknowledged the challenges and complexities of such a move, saying it would require a lot of collaboration and negotiation between the parties involved. He said that he understands that Sony and Nintendo have their own strategies and visions for their platforms, and that he is not trying to impose his own agenda on them. He said he is willing to work with them to find a mutually beneficial solution that respects their brands and values.

Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that offers access to more than 100 games for a monthly fee. The service also includes new releases from Microsoft's own studios, such as Halo, Forza, and Gears of War. Additionally, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can stream games to their mobile devices through xCloud, a cloud gaming technology that runs on Microsoft's Azure servers.

Xbox Game Pass has been praised by critics and consumers alike for its value and variety, and has been seen as a major competitive advantage for Microsoft in the console market. The service currently has more than 25 million subscribers worldwide and is expected to continue growing as more games are added to the catalog.

However, not everyone is excited about Xbox Game Pass. Some developers and publishers have expressed concerns about the service's impact on game sales and revenue, as well as the quality and diversity of games. Some have argued that Xbox Game Pass devalues ​​games by offering them at a low price and that it incentivizes developers to create games designed for engagement rather than innovation. Some have also suggested that Xbox Game Pass could lead to a monopoly or homogenization of the gaming industry, where only games that fit the service's model would survive.

Microsoft has responded to these criticisms by saying that Xbox Game Pass is beneficial for both developers and gamers, providing more exposure and revenue opportunities for games, and more choice and convenience for gamers. Microsoft has also said that it supports different business models and creative visions for games, and that it does not interfere with the development or pricing of games on its service.

The possibility of Xbox Game Pass reaching PlayStation and Nintendo consoles is still uncertain, as it depends on many factors and variables. However, it's clear that Microsoft is ambitious and confident in its service, and sees it as a key part of its future in gaming. It remains to be seen whether Sony and Nintendo will share this vision or not.

Microsoft has a bold vision for its Game Pass service: make it available on all screens and devices that can play the game, including those from its former rivals Sony and Nintendo.

This was revealed by Xbox CFO Tim Stuart at the Wells Fargo TMT 2023 Summit in California, where he discussed the implications of the Activision Blizzard acquisition for Microsoft's gaming business.

Stuart said Microsoft's mission is to bring its first-party games and subscription services to all screens, from smart TVs to mobile devices, and even PlayStation and Nintendo consoles. He said this would expand the reach and involvement of Microsoft's gaming ecosystem, as well as increase the profitability of its gaming division.

Stuart explained that Activision Blizzard games, such as Call of Duty and World of Warcraft, have now become high-margin first-party products for Microsoft, rather than the low-margin third-party products it sold in its store. He said this would increase Microsoft's margins and revenue, as well as create more opportunities for cross-play and cross-platform progression.

Stuart also said that Microsoft will continue to support Activision Blizzard games on other platforms, as long as platform holders allow it. He said that Microsoft respects the existing contracts and agreements that Activision Blizzard has with other parties and that it wants to maintain a good relationship with the gaming industry.

Stuart's comments suggest that Microsoft is not interested in creating a walled garden for its Game Pass service, but rather in creating a ubiquitous, accessible gaming platform that can reach more players and offer more value. However, he did not provide any details on how or when Microsoft plans to bring Game Pass to PlayStation and Nintendo devices, or whether those platform owners would be willing to cooperate with Microsoft on this effort.