Microsoft had a lot to prove with its Xbox Games Showcase on Sunday. The Xbox maker has had big concerns in the past year, as there are more reports of the console not selling as well as anticipated, especially after the company had to raise the price multiple times. Adding to that, its portfolio of studios isn’t selling as many games as expected, and Xbox Game Pass is costing it a ton of sales.
However, with recent high-profile leadership changes and a business reset following an Xbox Game Pass price increase, it seems like Microsoft is course-correcting before a next-gen console is announced. And this showcase was another step in the right direction.
More than 25 trailers were shown in Sunday’s showcase. While there were updates for some live service games, such as Fallout 76 and Sea of Thieves (a tactic that Sony avoided with its State of Play), Microsoft did show off quite a few major titles. Some were exclusive, like Gear of War: E-Day, but others were revealed for the first time in the show and will be available on day one for Game Pass. This will include Persona 6.
Microsoft didn’t have as huge a reveal as Sony had with God of War: Laufey, but it’s clear that the company is leaning into its strengths: big titles that will also be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch. Will it help Microsoft move more consoles or sell more Xbox Game Pass subscriptions? It’s hard to say now, but at least the company is not withering away anytime soon.
