Xbox’s Big Plans for a Mobile Gaming Platform
Microsoft’s next big move appears likely to be serious investment into a mobile gaming platform. While not as flashy as the Metaverse, it’s a smart investment in line with its increased focus on platform-agnostic services.
The Plan
Microsoft, usually a step behind in the Asian market, is actively scouting Chinese developers for a title to serve as its response to Sony’s blockbuster Genshin Impact, according to Reuters.
- Genshin is a free-to-play RPG from Chinese dev MiHoYo
- Almost $4 billion in microtransaction spending since Sept. 2020 launch
- Sony was able to lock out Xbox through a deal with MiHoYo
- Exclusive to PC, PS4, & PS5, with an upcoming Switch version
Microsoft wants a mobile gaming platform to compete with the likes of Google or Apple, according to regulatory filings related to its pending purchase of Activision-Blizzard. Closing on Activision-Blizzard would bring into the fold experienced mobile studios and their mobile hits, such as Candy Crush and Call of Duty: Mobile.
- “Xbox will seek to scale the Xbox Store to mobile, attracting gamers to a new Xbox Mobile Platform”
- ”Microsoft hopes that by offering well-known and popular content, gamers will be more inclined to try something new.”
Will It Work?
Game development is a fickle endeavor, and there is no guarantee that Microsoft will land a blockbuster title like Genshin for its mobile gaming platform. But when it comes to what it can control, it 's making the right moves: acquiring the requisite studios and talent while pushing Xbox subscriptions and cloud gaming to every platform and user base possible.
Game development is a fickle endeavor, and there is no guarantee that Microsoft will land a blockbuster title like Genshin for its mobile gaming platform. But when it comes to what it can control, it 's making the right moves: acquiring the requisite studios and talent while pushing Xbox subscriptions and cloud gaming to every platform and user base possible.
Featured image: Xbox
