If the whispers circulating in the gaming community hold any truth, the forthcoming Xbox iteration may not conform to the traditional console model. Reports from reputable sources such as Windows Central and The Verge suggest that Microsoft is contemplating a successor to the Xbox Series X|S that operates more like a personal computer than a conventional gaming console.
While these insights remain speculative, the concept revolves around a system that would grant users access to a variety of digital storefronts, including Steam and the Epic Games Store. A leaked user interface that emerged during the Game Developers Conference (GDC) appears to lend credence to this notion.
Implications for Sony
This development raises intriguing questions regarding Sony’s position in the gaming landscape. The Japanese tech giant has been actively porting its flagship titles to PC platforms, distributing them through popular storefronts like Steam and the Epic Games Store. Should Microsoft indeed unlock access to these platforms, gamers could potentially enjoy titles such as God of War Ragnarok and The Last of Us 2 on an Xbox device.
However, several caveats warrant consideration. If the rumors are accurate, the next Xbox may resemble a pre-built PC rather than a traditional console. The ability to install Steam and the Epic Games Store would effectively bypass Microsoft’s own ecosystem. Thus, even if players could download and play Sony’s games through these channels, they would not be engaging with them on a true Xbox platform.
This distinction, while seemingly semantic, carries significant implications. If Microsoft is indeed steering its hardware strategy in this direction, it will need to navigate the complexities of opening its walled garden. For instance, enforcing online play fees may prove challenging when alternative options are readily available to consumers.
Additionally, the traditional business model for console manufacturers often involves selling hardware at a subsidized price to profit from software sales. Should a portion of Microsoft’s revenue shift to companies like Epic or Valve, justifying this model could become increasingly difficult.
Opinions within the gaming community are divided. Some commentators speculate that Sony might attempt to block its titles from being played on Microsoft hardware, while others argue that sales are sales, and PlayStation would likely welcome the additional revenue.
From our perspective, it seems improbable that Sony would restrict its games from being accessible on a platform that resembles a pre-built PC. Given that Sony has successfully monetized its games in the PC market, it raises questions about the rationale behind limiting sales on a specific device.
Do you think Sony would block PlayStation games from playing on an Xbox PC? (566 votes)
- Yes, there’s no way Sony would allow that
- Maybe, but we need more details for sure
- No, there’s no need for PlayStation to do that
