Xbox Chief Slams Catastrophic Delay in AAA Game Pass Updates
Leaked emails reveal Microsoft's anxiety over the lackluster release schedule for its prime subscription service, as Xbox Boss admits to the detrimental impact of prolonged gaps between AAA game additions
Microsoft's leaked emails contain extensive discussions on potential acquisitions, upcoming console strategies, and more. One email, sent by Xbox Chief Phil Spencer on May 7, 2022, raises concerns about the significant time gap between major flagship games on the Xbox Game Pass. Spencer describes this situation as a "disaster" and attributes it to the delayed release of Starfield, which also affects Redfall and Stalker 2. He emphasizes the need for a strong games lineup to market and distinguish Game Pass content, suggesting that such considerations should be better addressed by the company moving forward.
"The current situation is concerning, as there appears to be a significant gap of nearly 16 months between major exclusive releases on our platform. This is particularly distressing considering the significant investments we have made in content through our GP content fund. It is imperative that we draw lessons from this experience and develop a comprehensive plan moving forward.
In comparison to the successful year Game Pass had in 2021, 2022 fell short of our expectations and is something we cannot afford to repeat. Moving forward, we must improve our portfolio planning by realistically evaluating internal timelines. Additionally, we should consider strategically delaying launches to ensure a consistent flow of content."
Game Pass is a crucial element of Microsoft's strategy, with a strong emphasis on its subscription model and cloud gaming service. In recent years, the company has proactively acquired several developers to ensure a continuous flow of content for Game Pass, as acknowledged by Spencer in the email. However, gamers have been disappointed by the slow release of new content in 2022, and the leaked documents indicate that Microsoft was aware of this issue. Additionally, the company has stated its intention to release four first-party games per year, in line with Spencer's reference to a quarterly release of AAA games.
Furthermore, the leaked confidential court documents have provided insight into Microsoft's long-term plans for the next-generation Xbox, including a mid-generation refresh for the Series X|S, as well as a roadmap for future Bethesda games.
