Microsoft is an incredibly impressive tech company, with PC software clearly being the most impactful element of its work. What was once an operating system and a few key bits of software has become a work essentials package, with most even wanting to back up their data from Office 365 due to the importance of what goes on in those associated programs.
However, after making a huge statement with the Xbox 360, Microsoft has proven itself to be lacking in understanding, let’s say, of the wider global gaming audience. The Xbox Series X and half-priced Xbox Series S have combined to grossly undersell the PlayStation 5, and in Q4 2023, console sales dropped by 13 percent, per their latest earnings report. At the core of this issue is that exclusive games sell consoles, and the Xbox has very few.
New and enticing games can’t just be snapped in out of nowhere, and by all accounts, there are a fair few with a lot of potential in the works – even if many don’t have release dates. So, how could the Xbox make a comeback and truly rival Sony and Nintendo?
Take a leaf out of Epic’s books
The Xbox is lagging behind because it has relatively few big-hit, desirable exclusive games. It needs a different approach to attempt to, perhaps, appeal to a different kind of gamer. As it stands, the PlayStation 5 is the premium home console, and the Nintendo Switch is a hybrid, so perhaps the Xbox should be the accessible console.
According to a slide report showcased at the ID@Xbox Developer Accelerator Program in Brazil, 48 percent of players who opted for the much cheaper Series S console are new to the Xbox ecosystem. This shows that there is an Xbox player base that treasures low-cost and accessible gaming. When it decided to go after Steam’s monopoly, Epic Games went big on advertising itself as a place where people can get top games for free every single week.
The free games got people hooked. Epic is free to use while the Series S is $250, but that’s still the lowest point of entry for high-powered home console gaming. Make a point of this by offering notable games for free regularly to anyone who just owns an Xbox. People will start to build a library and will want to keep their collections in one place. So, they’ll buy their third-party releases on Xbox and even join the Game Pass.
Convincing to buy games or get Game Pass
It’s difficult to say how many Xbox Game Pass subscribers are Xbox owners or are using the pass on PC, but one way to convert more Xbox players into subscribers or purchasers of full-priced games is to introduce demos. The ID@Xbox Demo Fest is a great first step, but it should be expanded. Those who get time to experience games for free tend to stick around, and this is why a different form of gaming has become famous for free play time on entry. Many of the top-rated platforms offering online casino bonuses give double the deposit, free spins, and even no-deposit bonuses.
No-deposit bonuses allow players to just sign up, get some bonus funds or spins, and then play whatever games they want within the limits of the bonus. It both makes the platforms more accessible and sells the games to new players who would otherwise be hesitant to pay to play. Xbox has a fair few demos, but those are predominantly at the discretion of the developers. As for its exclusives on Game Pass, you’ll find very few of the top titles – or even the mediocre titles – offering demos.
These are the games that Xbox has the most say over, and here, they should be requesting free demos that can be downloaded by any Xbox player. That way, people can try even before needing to commit to another subscription. Going further, as a part of the policy of releasing to Xbox, Microsoft could request that even third-party triple-A developers also arrive with a short demo or free 30 minutes that Xbox players can get before they buy.
Billing the Xbox as a platform to “try before you buy” and even get wholly free games regularly could turn the tide while owners await worthwhile exclusive games.
