It's no secret that Xbox is heading in a new direction. While it's still a major player in the video game console market, Microsoft has clearly shown interest in changing the idea of what Xbox can be. As Nintendo and Sony essentially continue the same approach that has made them successful for so many generations, Microsoft's new approach contrasts with what players have come to expect, and it's become harder to ignore the seismic changes taking place.
Whether it's the introduction of online services, a change in approach to exclusive titles, or an altered attitude to hardware, Xbox is no longer the same as it was just a few years back. As hard as it may be to admit, Xbox is changing. And, with the way things are going, 2025 may be the final year in which players get to experience the Xbox they're familiar with before Microsoft's new approach takes full effect.
One very obvious way in which Xbox has changed in the last few years is with the emphasis on the hugely popular Game Pass. The introduction of a paid subscription service alters the common perceptions people may have of the requirement to play games on a console, providing immediate access to a huge library of games at once. Game Pass serves to give players a more convenient way to play their favorite games, no longer needing to make such huge investments in order to build the same library of titles from scratch.
Xbox Game Pass continues to only get better, with one new addition in December 2024 being perfect for everyone, regardless of subscription tier.
This core idea of accessibility and convenience leads directly into Microsoft's other major introduction: Xbox Cloud Gaming. This feature once again breaks down common perceptions of gaming, this time by removing consoles from the equation altogether. Whether it's through a phone, PC, laptop or smart TV, Cloud Gaming works to increase access as much as possible for the player, always keeping them close to their library at any given moment.
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