Microsoft Corporation is ramping up its efforts to expand its Xbox gaming consoles and cloud gaming service. The company, which introduced two Xbox models last year, is now targeting casual gamers by promoting the convenience of its cloud gaming service, which allows players to enjoy games without being tied to their living rooms.
As part of this strategy, Microsoft offers Game Pass, a subscription service priced at $9.99 per month. Game Pass provides access to a range of popular titles such as “Alien Isolation” and “Gears 5”. The service can be enjoyed on Xbox consoles, Android devices, and PCs. By expanding Game Pass to different platforms, Microsoft aims to challenge the dominance of its rival, Sony’s PlayStation platform.
Chief Executive Satya Nadella highlighted the potential of Game Pass by stating, “With Game Pass coming to the browser, the value of the subscription is going to transcend from the console to the PC to mobile.” Nadella expressed excitement about future investments in Game Pass, including adding more content and expanding its availability in different countries.
Later this year, Microsoft plans to launch its cloud gaming service, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, in Australia, Brazil, Mexico, and Japan. The company is also exploring new subscription options for Game Pass and collaborating with telecom companies to offer consumers the opportunity to purchase a console and Game Pass for a lower monthly fee instead of an upfront cost.
The ongoing pandemic has fueled the growth of the gaming industry, with a report by gaming analysis firm Newzoo revealing that over half of gamers in North America and Western Europe have increased their gaming time. Recognizing this trend, Xbox aims to release at least one new first-party game into Game Pass every quarter. With over 23 studios worldwide working on games for the platform, Xbox is committed to expanding access to gaming experiences.
Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, emphasized the company’s goal of making gaming accessible to a wider audience, stating, “We will unlock the ability for anyone on the planet to enjoy the gaming experiences that relatively few have had the access to before.”
Microsoft’s focus on expanding its Xbox gaming consoles and cloud gaming service reflects its determination to capture a larger share of the gaming market. With a range of subscription options, partnerships with telecom companies, and an ever-growing library of games, Microsoft is poised to attract more gamers and solidify its position in the gaming industry.
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