TECHNOLOGY
Microsoft's Future in Gaming: Hardware or Streaming?
LiverpoolSun Mar 16 2025
The gaming world has seen some big changes in the last few years. Microsoft, a major player in the industry, has been making some bold moves. Microsoft's former Xbox executive, Peter Moore, recently shared some interesting thoughts on the future of gaming. He believes that Microsoft would be happy to skip making hardware altogether and just stream games directly to your TV or monitor. This would be similar to how Netflix works. You would just pick a game, and with no lag or delay, you'd be playing instantly. No need for a console between you and your controller.
Microsoft's recent acquisitions, like Activision Blizzard, have shifted the focus from console wars to something bigger. The old days of competing for market share and customers are over. The industry has grown and changed, and Microsoft is adapting to this new landscape. Moore left the industry in 2017, but he still keeps an eye on what's happening. He thinks the industry has evolved, and Microsoft's strategy has changed. It's no longer about having exclusive content on Xbox and PC. Now, it's about reaching as many players as possible, no matter the platform.
Microsoft's Game Pass, a subscription service, was meant to be a Netflix-style model for games. But, it hasn't grown as expected, even with big games like Starfield and Call of Duty joining from day one. This shows that gamers might not be ready for a Netflix-like model in gaming. Fans of Xbox are worried about the future of their console. With Microsoft publishing games on rival platforms like Sony's and Nintendo's consoles, there's a chance they might stop making Xbox consoles altogether. Especially if sales keep dropping.
Moore's thoughts aren't new, as Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella has also talked about a Netflix-like model for games. But, the reality of the gaming world is different. Gamers want more than just a subscription service. They want the full experience, and that includes the hardware. The future of gaming is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Microsoft is adapting to the changing landscape, and it will be interesting to see where they go from here.
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questions
Could Microsoft's shift towards a content delivery model be a ploy to monopolize the gaming industry by controlling all distribution channels?
How might the gaming community's preference for physical consoles over digital-only models influence Microsoft's future decisions?
If Microsoft were to stop making hardware, would gamers have to use their toasters to play Xbox games?