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Is everything okay over at Xbox? The prevailing question this week revolves around the strange business moves by the games publisher/console manufacturer. XboxEra broke a story this week about Microsoft’s plans to bring formerly exclusive Xbox games to PlayStation and Switch, which could potentially include games like Hi-Fi Rush and Starfield. This would be just a rumor if it weren’t for the fact that Phil Spencer tweeted in response to the tumult, announcing an upcoming show next week about the future of Xbox.
The question arises: is Xbox planning to move away from the world of consoles and exclusive games altogether? Xbox has been actively participating in the console wars for years, albeit as the underdog. If they decide to back out, what does that mean for the brand? On the one hand, it makes business sense to launch games that haven’t performed well on other platforms, but on the other, it might leave Xbox fans feeling shortchanged.
It wasn’t just Xbox stirring the gaming pot this week. Disney announced a $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games to create its own massive online world that links to Fortnite. This new approach from the big media company seems aimed at the Fortnite/Roblox generation. Perhaps the most illuminating part was CEO Bob Iger admitting that this is a way to reach the new generation while not risking much as a company.
In personal news, I’ll be avoiding playing Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League if possible, as it looks boring. However, Home Safety Hotline, which I overlooked earlier, has caught my attention and I might give it a try during this relatively quiet week.
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What to play this week:
What’s new:
- Foamstars
- Helldivers 2
- The Inquisitor
New on subscription services:
- Anuchard (Xbox Game Pass)
- Train Sim World 4 (Xbox Game Pass)
- Madden NFL 24 (Xbox Game Pass)
- Rollerdrome (PlayStation Plus Essential)
- Steelrising (PlayStation Plus Essential)
- Missile Command: Recharged (Prime Gaming)
- Aragami 2 (GeForce Now)
- art of rally (GeForce Now)
- dotAGE (GeForce Now)
- Tram Simulator Urban Transit (GeForce Now)
- The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series (GeForce Now)
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