OP you’ve really upset some folks here. They even changed the thread title because they were too upset to just have a conversation. Just like they are saying, why are you concern troll posting I would say why are they white knighting a for pay service from a for profit company. I think you bring up interesting points.
Me personally: I was a huge 360 fan. That generation and the idea of owning a piece of plastic is fading. I get it. I’ll adapt or be left behind. But as you point out on the other side, there are other ways to consume games. I played Heroes of The Storm last night. I know I don’t own that but I didn’t have to pay anything and I had a fine time. I can buy steam games (or play the ones I bought and never played that are 10 years old). I’ll still pick up that $60 Nintendo title every now and then and 9/10 times I’ll play it immediately. Like you I’ve got a life and a job and paying for a rotating selection of video games doesn’t interest me. Though we have Hulu and Netflix, and I’m mostly okay with those
MS doesn’t get called a great value for no reason but they have to compete with disruptive (and $-free or established options).
Kinda like YouTube vs Disney+.
Or was the entire project sold to the higher ups that hold the purse strings, on the idea that this would bring AAA console gaming to the masses, bypassing the need for expensive hardware entirely, and truly being 'the Netflix of gaming'?
I suspect it's the latter, because the numbers involved in the cost and comparative revenue generated by gamepass compared to traditional gaming, given the potential audience of 100% of Xbox owners (being as generous as possible), has never added up.
Thats the question isn’t it. I think the Bethesda acquisition speaks to them assuming it can go larger than it is. Microsoft has a mostly good (counter examples: Zune, Windows Phone) track record at keeping a business going
have spent about $320 USD last year on games that I would never have played if not for Game Pass. Just Cause 3 and 4? Would not have bought 3 if I hadn't played the third and fourth entries on Game Pass. Senua? Bought it after playing on Game Pass. Attach rates for GP subbers are high and the service does provide incredible value: I replayed the entire Mass Effect trilogy with a buttery-smooth frame rate on XSX for 15 (!) bucks a month. Currently 80h into Dragon Quest XI. How much did it cost? Same 15 bucks of month. Switched back and forth between Knights of the Old Republic on Xbox BC and Doom Eternal. How much was it? 15 dollars a month.
Every time someone brings up the rental prospect I have to stop and reassess my considerations of gamepass. You’re right. Again even in the pandemic I’m not quite at the same volume as you. Thinking aloud:
Animal crossing, demon souls (the OG, hell no I ain’t got no PS5), Heros of The Storm, wizard of legend, a bit of Gran Turismo 6 and Dirt Rally and Mario Kart, Don’t Starve, TLOU2, TLOUR, vitamin c, and that’s all I can think of right now.
I think we are just a different volume of gamer. That’s awesome, the rental aspect of GamePass. In a way I’d love to see them charge $5 a month and give 5 hours of access to each game on the service. Seems like it could be a win win
Outside of their core supporters this has built an unfavorable narrative for the service. "It's a Gamepass game" is a term used to denigrate, not inspire.
yes I’ve seen that too. I think that 2022–23 will be crucial. Now they have Bethesda and the chance to differentiate (like games come out 30 days early on gamepass) to build up some hype.
