It is no secret that Xbox Game Pass has changed significantly since Microsoft launched the service several years ago. Not only is Xbox Game Pass receiving more games available on day-one, butMicrosoft’s continuous acquisition of third-party developersmeans that more Xbox exclusive games will be made available to the service. It is no coincidence that Microsoft’s focus on improving Xbox Game Pass came right around the time it released the Xbox Series X and S.
While the library of exclusive games available for Xbox’s new consoles is still comparatively limited, the landscape is going to change once the promise of Xbox Game Pass comes to fruition. At the moment, it appears that Sony is still sticking to the same business model it employed during the height of the PS4, since the company is yet to respond to everything Microsoft laid out at E3 2021. While Sony’s strategy still works, given thatthe PS5 is still ahead of the Xbox Series X/S in terms of units sold, Xbox Game Pass may be Sony’s undoing once it reaches its full potential.
The Bright Future of Xbox Game Pass
Additionally, Xbox is also looking to innovate gaming in a way that would do away with traditional consoles. Of course, this may be a bit confusing, given that Microsoft is a manufacturer of gaming consoles. However, it appears that the company is no longer interested in console wars, and sees its future as a video game service provider. According to Xbox’s Phil Spencer, the Xbox team is establishing partnerships with global TV manufacturersto integrate Xbox gaming directly to smart TVswithout additional hardware.
Sony May Reveal Something Big for PlayStation Players Soon
Of course, with all these promises that Microsoft continues to make for the future of Xbox gaming, some may wonder whether those who have already invested in a PS5 have gotten the shorter end of the stick. Whilethe future of Xbox Game Pass looks brightwith all the studio acquisitions and exclusive games, it is worth remembering that Sony is yet to reveal its plans for PlayStation players.
A handful of PS5-exclusive games are available to players, such asDemon’s Souls, Returnal,andRatchet and Clank: A Rift Apart. Additionally,PS5 players can look forward to some of the biggest games that will be only available to PlayStation consoles, such asGod of War Ragnarok,Horizon Forbidden West, Forspoken,and many more. In terms of games to look forward to, PS5 players have nothing to worry about for now. However, they should expect to pay for each of these exclusive games individually, given that there is still no word whether they will be made available on any of Sony’s services.
While PS5 players are pretty much set for the time being, they will likely feel the promise of Xbox Game Pass once Microsoft is able to deliver on all of its promises. However, it is also worth noting that Sony may still have some surprises under its sleeve. Although the company was not present at E3 2021, it is rumored thatSony will be holding a State of Play presentation as early as July 8. Given that Microsoft has already revealed its cards, the rumored event may see Sony’s response to Xbox Game Pass and its plans for the future of PlayStation.
