Losing confidence in Xbox

Ever since the 360 days when my brother introduced me to Halo, I have been a fan Xbox. Not to the extent that I would bash other consoles however (whoever participates in console wars needs to have a long look in the mirror.) I bought the Series X on day one. I was lucky to get one from all accounts at the time and I was excited to see what “true next gen” games was going to bring. Even though I had a PC at the time, my PC hardware has never been cutting edge. Not that I only look for graphics and performance in games though. Those things mean nothing if there is nothing else to the game. I will play anything if it entertains me and has a good story. Still though, the thought of having those things and the games having amazing graphics excited me.

Alas, years down the road it looks like Microsoft appears to be backing out of the hardware market. Or at least making overtones that they will. I’ve never been one to back platform exclusives, but I’ll be honest, those are some of the things that are needed to drive people to a particular platform. Now Microsoft is starting to push out their games to other platforms. This is making owning an Xbox a less and less appealing prospect. All you really need is a Game Pass Ultimate and an average PC to play most of the library (or nearly all of it if you have a great internet connection.)

I thought the acquisition of Activision Blizzard King (ABK) would breathe some new life into Xbox and its eco system however I just read some news that Xbox is closing more studios and, although this trend is not limited to Xbox in the slightest, it is yet another blow to my confidence in them. I can’t shake the feeling Microsoft is slowing backing away from console hardware and going the way of Sega. Inevitably just becoming a publisher. If that happens it will be a shame.

For more background, I used to have a PlayStation alongside my Xbox since the PS1 until PS3. However, when the whole PSN hack and data leak, I turned my back on them. That was not the only reason, most of my friends were and still are on Xbox so I spent most of my time there anyway. I have not considered (or can afford to be honest) getting a PS5 and running both consoles with the subscriptions etc that are attached to them both. If Xbox cease to be a hardware platform, I will just stick with my PC and my trusty Nintendo Switch. Also, Nintendo, try having some discounts on multiple years old games for more than a few pounds at a time, eh?

There is an Xbox showcase event coming up on the 6th of June which some people are hinting is going to be big for Xbox and Game Pass. So, who knows, all my concerns could be put at ease. We’ll see.