(Business Perspective) Does MS really need Xbox Hardware?

[DonFerrari]

Azzanation said:

twintail said:

I don't know if I commented in this thread, so these are updated thoughts potentially:

I don't think it's great that MS essentially moves away from hardware, but it does make console buying a lot easier for everyone: just get a PS and a Nintendo device and you're covered. PC if you're into that.

My concern is really how do they sell GamePass if they exit hardware? Their hardware is clearly the easiest gateway into that GP subscription. Would Sony/ Nintendo allow it (like how they do EA Ubisoft)? Honestly, I feel like if they don't then this gonna work out for MS.

That said, it's clear that going multiplatform with their games is all about revenue. They aren't getting it from physical on their own hardware, and I imagine that GP isn't really as profitable as it needs to be to get it from there. 

Asd for moving away from physical media... not great for ppl who want it, but it doesn't matter to me since I've basically moved digital for the most part. 

Why don't you think it's great if MS move away from Hardware? You don't game on Xbox so how does this affect you in anyway shape or form?

The way I see MS working GP into other eco-systems is to stop selling competitive products like Hardware. Many fail to understand the pull GP has. Sony actually gains more customers if it became an option. More people will buy PS knowing they have the option. More PS sales = more money.

Sony won't accept GP now, because MS has the Xbox Series S/X as a competing platform, the moment MS drop hardware, Sony won't have a threat in the highend console market, and they will gain a treasure trove of IPs from GP and an extra audience to follow. 

ice said:

"Be careful what you wish for" is going to come to mind in a decade's time, competition was good and will always be for consumers.

Good for who exactly? Because I can tell you from a PC standpoint, MS dropping out of the console industry has no effect on me and many others.

Nope, the reason Sony doesn't accept GP on its console isn't because Xbox have a console, it is because it have a lot of titles that compete with their PS+ or retail revenue. If GP on PS had only xbox exclusives I could see Sony accepting it like EA and Ubi.