When I listen to Microsoft briefings - especially ones that aren't on my primary radar screen - I listen for repeated buzzwords and phrases. They also declined to provide pricing or timing for these devices.
MICROSOFT GAMES DIVISION TV
"Xbox is building its own streaming devices for cloud gaming to reach gamers on any TV or monitor without the need for a console at all." Officials declined to say what kinds of devices would be coming, but they've hinted previously about a streaming stick.
"Xbox is working with telecommunications providers on new purchasing models like Xbox All Access, which allows consumers to buy both a console and Game Pass for a low monthly price, rather than spending money upfront." Officials mentioned Telstra in Australia as one of those providers with which it is working but declined to name any others.And it will be implementing a "try-before-you-download" program by integrating cloud gaming into the Xbox app on PC. "Xbox is exploring new subscription offerings for Xbox Game Pass so more players around the world can experience the most immersive and fun games across devices, geographies, and financial realities." Microsoft is adding more countries (Australia, Brazil, Mexico, and Japan) to its list of places where Game Pass Ultimate is available later this year."Xbox is working with global TV manufacturers to embed the Xbox experience directly into internet-connected televisions with no extra hardware required except a controller." Officials declined to name any TV maker names or provide a date when this Game Pass for TV offering will be available.Microsoft officials also offered a few teasers about how and where the company is investing to further build its gaming franchise. And Phil Spencer, Executive Vice President of Gaming, even has a seat at the Senior Leadership Team table.ĭuring this week's virtual briefing, Microsoft officials hammered home the message that video games are important to the company on a variety of fronts. One of Microsoft's biggest acquisitions to date - ZeniMax Media/Bethesda, which it bought for $7.5 billion - is a gaming company. While Microsoft admits it isn't making a profit on sales of its gaming consoles (and no longer reports publicly the number of consoles it sells), the company has found a way to build a credible gaming subscription business. Gaming is the main piece of the consumer market where Microsoft has a measurable fanbase. And this week, via a virtual "What's Next for Gaming" briefing for press and analysts, Microsoft officials worked to solidify that message further. Over the past few years, the reasons why Microsoft held onto its gaming business have become clearer. Many thought and expected Microsoft to either sell off its gaming division or at least spin it out, as it didn't seem to fit with the rest of the company's mission. The company got pretty aggressive in acquiring game studios in 2018, but Booty didn't spill the beans on what the new additions are working on - some of them could be developing games for the Xbox One's successor.Not that many years ago, many Microsoft watchers, partners, and customers were scratching their heads, wondering why Microsoft was continuing to pour so much money into Xbox.
Xbox Game Studios is made up of 13 developers, some of which are responsible for major franchises such as Age of Empires, Forza, Gears of War, Halo and Minecraft, corporate vice president Matt Booty wrote in a blog post. News from Microsoft Studios is now Xbox Game Studios.