Microsoft Expands Game Pass Availability to PlayStation, Nintendo, and Across All Screens

Microsoft is aiming to expand the availability of Xbox Game Pass to include PlayStation and Nintendo consoles. CFO Tim Stuart revealed the company's intention to make first-party games and Game Pass accessible on all compatible gaming platforms, including those of rival companies. Stuart acknowledged this shift in strategy, emphasizing the mission to offer Microsoft's subscription services and first-party experiences on a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, mobile devices, and even traditional competitors like PlayStation and Nintendo.

Stuart stated that Game Pass is a lucrative venture for Microsoft, along with first-party games and advertising, all of which Microsoft aims to expand extensively in the future. The executive also noted that the acquisition of Activision Blizzard will enable Microsoft to achieve these goals at a faster pace. As for advertising, the Candy Crush mobile game series from King, now a part of Microsoft, features heavy integration of ads and microtransactions.

It is understandable that Microsoft would be interested in offering Game Pass on rival consoles, as it would allow the subscription service to reach a larger audience. However, whether Sony or Nintendo would permit Game Pass on their consoles remains uncertain, as Sony has previously blocked EA Access (now EA Play), citing a lack of value for PlayStation users.

Game Pass offers subscribers access to all of Microsoft's first-party games at launch, as well as a continually expanding library of other games. Considering that Microsoft now owns the Call of Duty series, it is possible that titles from that franchise may become available on Game Pass starting in 2024.

Microsoft made a historic acquisition by paying $68.7 billion to acquire Activision Blizzard, the largest deal in video game history and one of the biggest in the technology industry. With this acquisition, Microsoft now owns every game and studio under ABK. Despite controversy, CEO Bobby Kotick has been asked to stay on until 2023, with his plans beyond that remaining uncertain.

Editor's P/S

Microsoft's decision to expand Xbox Game Pass to PlayStation, Nintendo, and all compatible screens represents a significant shift in strategy for the tech giant. By making its first-party games and Game Pass available on rival platforms, Microsoft is signaling its commitment to reaching a wider audience and making its gaming ecosystem more inclusive. This move is a positive development for gamers, as it will give them more choices and flexibility in how they play their favorite games.

Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, which owns popular franchises like Call of Duty and Candy Crush, further demonstrates its commitment to expanding its gaming presence. With this acquisition, Microsoft now has a vast library of games and studios under its umbrella, which will undoubtedly strengthen its position in the gaming industry. It will be interesting to see how Microsoft integrates these newly acquired studios and franchises into its existing ecosystem and how it leverages them to enhance the value of Game Pass.