Microsoft's Xbox is changing the perception of video games, says expert

“Microsoft is going to great lengths to get people to sign up for the ultimate subscription because they know that if someone signs up as a Game Pass member and has it on any device they want to access, they can use it to play whatever they want, wherever they want, and in whatever context they want.”

“That's probably what players want today and it's interesting to see the industry catching up.”

Xbox is changing the way the industry thinks about video games / Ina Fassbender, AFP via Getty Images

Osborn says if Xbox is going to prioritize Game Pass, the company needs to provide new top-notch games to keep players engaged and subscribe.

He also believes that the vague release dates given for many upcoming titles are for flexibility, as the new GTA6.

“You have to have a world-class content library to retain subscribers because you have to not only entice people to subscribe, you have to entice them to stick with it and you have to keep their interest,” he said.

“That said, if they get to a point where the release calendar is suddenly empty and there's nothing exciting to look forward to, it's very easy – particularly given the current cost of living crisis – to look at that and say, '£15 a month adds up to nearly £200 over the year, so I might want that money back.'

“The strength of the offer is to keep that loyalty in mind, keep people interested, and tell them that if they stay with Game Pass, they can enjoy all these great games in the future.”

“Confessors by Obsidian was supposed to be released towards the end of this year, but was quietly delayed until early next year.

“I think there is a bit of movement in things right now, both in terms of the finished stuff and in terms of continuing to build a nice content library.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if they’re trying to build a very nice lineup that runs on Game Pass all year long, and then if we have a launch date for GTA6I wouldn't be surprised if the calendar was adjusted to leave a gap for this.”

Xbox is present at Gamescom and has announced an extensive program of products and services that will be presented during the event.

Osborn'sMemo from the video game industry is sent out every Thursday and he writes his first non-fiction book entitled Power playa look at how video games are changing the world.

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