When it comes to the state of gaming, subscription services are proving to be more popular. There are services for players to gain not only online multiplayer access but also access to a wide assortment of video games. For instance, Microsoft has taken an interesting approach to this with their Game Pass service. Players can access an extensive collection of games on Xbox, PC, and even mobile devices. Some of these can even be enjoyed through mobile devices through streaming. Sony introduced a similar service with PlayStation Plus Game Catalog, which gives players access to a wide assortment of video game titles. However, there is one crucial difference between the two in terms of the games that you can expect to release on the service.
Microsoft’s Game Pass subscription service offers an assortment of video games. These range from AAA titles to small indie hits. Likewise, you can expect Microsoft’s first-party titles and various third-party games. This resembles the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog, with Sony’s first-party titles and third-party games. But the key difference here is that Microsoft has ensured fans that their first-party games would land on the Game Pass subscription service at launch. So any major title releases from the line of Xbox studios will be available for just the monthly fee you pay to ensure an active subscription on Game Pass.
Currently, looking at the prices, you can find two tiers which will either be $9.99 or $14.99. It’s worth pointing out that the base tier of $9.99 will grant you access to all of the first-party Xbox video game titles. So that’s a massive discount compared to paying the standard $69.99 for a new game, and again, you’re not only getting the Microsoft first-party releases but a comprehensive collection of third-party games. But don’t count on Sony providing a similar experience anytime soon.
Just yesterday, Sony unveiled a new feature being tested for the PlayStation 5 for PlayStation Plus members. This feature would unlock game streaming for PlayStation 5 games. However, recently Gamesindustry.biz had the chance to speak with Nick Maguire, who is the vice president and global head of subscriptions for PlayStation. During the conversation, Nick confirms that Sony is happy with putting games out onto the PlayStation Plus subscription service after at least a year of being available in the marketplace.
We’re happy with our strategy. Putting games in a bit later in the life cycle has meant that we can reach more customers 12, 18, and 24 months after they have been released. We’re seeing customers still get excited about those games and jumping in. For us, that’s working. Occasionally, there will be an opportunity to invest in a day-and-date like Stray, and we will jump on those when they come in. But for us, letting those [first-party] games go out to the platform outside the service first… that’s working, and that will continue to be our strategy moving forward.
Nick Maguire – Gamesindustry.biz
So it doesn’t seem that there is any push to start bringing out those heavy-hitting PlayStation 5 titles on their subscription services at launch. But it will be interesting to see if this changes in the future. Meanwhile, Microsoft is still striving to reach a point where they can deliver four major video game releases per year.
