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Turn On | Press Play

Analysis, commentary and impressions on tech or entertainment companies, products and services

Xbox is being put out to pasture and it just feels wrong

We’re now past the point of no return, here’s what all these changes mean for Xbox fans and consumers in general going forward

10 min read5 days ago
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The signs were there for a long time, but it seems that Xbox has now reached the point of no return — definitely as a platform, probably as a brand too. It’s not just Xbox fans feeling sorry for this turn of events either. (Image: Microsoft/The Point Online)

It’s official, then: a situation that’s been unfolding for almost four years — beginning with Microsoft’s costly acquisition of Activision Blizzard King — has now reached the point of no return. Not only is the Xbox dramatically changing as a platform and a business, but it’s essentially being forced into retirement due to bigger changes the company is making across the board. The Xbox brand, a year away from celebrating a quarter of a century as a major player in the console gaming market, is fading away in real time — and it just feels… wrong.

Yes, there have been more than a few indications that things were heading that way over the last two years, but now Microsoft apparently decided it’s finally done with pretenses, as — in a few short days — the company pretty much confirmed everything we were afraid was on the cards for Xbox after the ABK acquisition. Matt Booty, for instance, let everyone know via a New York Times interview that all Microsoft Game Studios titles “will be seeking to meet people where they already are” in the future, meaning that Xbox fans should not be expecting any exclusive games for their…

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Turn On | Press Play

Published in Turn On | Press Play

Analysis, commentary and impressions on tech or entertainment companies, products and services

Kostas Farkonas
Kostas Farkonas

Written by Kostas Farkonas

I report on tech, entertainment and digital culture for over 30 years. If you enjoy my work, please consider supporting it. Thank you! | farkonas.com

Responses (7)

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With Nintendo following its own path — the Japanese company is great at doing its thing regardless of any “console wars” going on between Sony and Microsoft at any given time

Whilst this was certainly true during the Wii and Switch eras I think we need to put to bed the idea that Nintendo and Sony are not rivals.
The Switch 2, essentially a portable Series S is 'good enough' for most players with ports of identical 3rd…

4

Competition between Microsoft and Sony in the console gaming space proved beneficial for all consumers. Its absence will be a problem in the very same way.

Yes, it was, but I don't think so. I know competition drives innovation and fair prices, but Sony has been doing things the right way. I'm sure they will keep giving us an excellent PS system at fair prices, but, like when the dinosaurs went extinct…

13

I don't use any gaming platform, but MS wants everyone in their cloud and paying subscriptions, doesn't matter if it's Xbox, a oc or a hybrid. MS wants a Netflix solution, central control and renting. 0.02$

6