Remember the wintery days of waiting in long lines in front of a big box electronic store or GameStop to cop the latest console and video games? Or the aching crooks in your neck that you received from being hunched over your computer for several minutes as you attempted to purchase an in-high demand console online? Well, Microsoft has not only potentially corrected the err of past, but the tech company has introduced us to the future — and the future is cloudy.
Phil Spencer, Microsoft Head of Xbox, said it himself that a newer business model that relies more on distribution of content via the cloud or cloud gaming could be the end of console usage. Microsoft intends on using a diversified business model that will include investing in content, cloud infrastructure, and the social community of gamers, while relying on ad-funding and subscriptions for revenue. A majority of this newfound revenue-generation will find its way back to game creators, but risks cutting out the local retailer that counts on consoles to make sales.
With that said, gamers have a lot to look forward to as Microsoft takes full advantage of its Xbox GamePass offering. At the E3 2021 virtual event, the company showcased its new plans with developer studio Bethesda, who will be releasing its next two big projects on Xbox exclusively, including open-world co-op FPS Redfall and the futuristic sci-fi based game Starfield.
Watch the Starfield trailer below:
Microsoft’s move to a more cloud-centric business prose opens up a gateway of opportunity that can lead to games being available on competitors’ platforms, while simultaneously building on the whole Netflix of gaming reputation that seems to be the way of the future.
