Xbox is prepared to offer “timed slices of games” as well as adverts
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In a recent interview Vice President for games atMicrosoft, Sarah Bond, described the different directions that Xbox are willing to take to promote a change of pace.
Several possibilities would see Xbox branch out fromGame Passto “experiment with different models” such as advertisements in games or even “timed slices of games”, Bond said in an interview withRolling Stone.
While Xbox is committed to supporting the widely successful subscription service Bond seems to think it’s time to branch out. “It’s about the depth and breadth of the portfolio all up, from big triple-A [games], to indie titles to hidden gems”, Bond said.
Whatever may happen, it seems there is one coherent goal for Xbox moving forward. This is to provide “creators with options, and choice enables them to experiment and do what they like, and actually create more immersive and creative experiences without having to fit into a mould”, Bond said.
Try and try again
Despite Game Pass being a widely successful subscription service, with numerous titles that make their way onto our bestGame Pass games list, it hasn’t been enough to lift Xbox above the likes of PlayStation or even Nintendo.
Even with the prospect of Xbox’s highly-anticipated sci-fi RPGStarfieldon the horizon, it seems as if Microsoft has taken some big hits this year, with the likes ofRedfallreceiving a seriously poor reception. Couple this with the numerous roadblocks in Xbox’s acquisition of ActivisionBlizzard,largely thanks to the CMA blocking the transaction; it’s fair to say that Microsoft needs a refresh of ideas.
Xbox needs more viable exclusives and original IPs to make a dent in PlayStation’s shiny record. So if this can be achieved by experimenting with more games via timed slices of titles, then I’m all for it.
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Elie is a Features Writer for TechRadar Gaming, here to write about anything new or slightly weird. Before writing for TRG, Elie studied for a Masters at Cardiff University JOMEC in International Journalism and Documentaries – spending their free time filming short docs or editing the gaming section for their student publications.
Elie’s first step into gaming was through Pokémon but they’ve taken the natural next step in the horror genre. Any and every game that would keep you up at night is on their list to play - despite the fact that one of Elie’s biggest fears is being chased.
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