Should Microsoft Go Third Party?

Alex S. from Link-Cable writes: "When you take a look at the three major hardware manufacturers currently competing in the game’s industry, the one most likely to begin releasing their titles on other platforms has suddenly become, the house that Gates built – Microsoft. They have already committed to releasing all of their titles on PC, they are open to having one of their biggest franchises, Minecraft available for cross-platform on nearly every system that its available for and just last week Phil Spencer, the head of the Xbox Division said that a streaming service of Xbox games could be available within the next three years on a number of platforms, including rivals’ Sony and Nintendo’s systems. All of this begs the question – should Microsoft go third-party?"

[maybelovehate]

I do think they will head in that direction and honestly I love it. The idea of exclusives is kind of silly to me in today's programming world where architectures are almost identical. The more people who can buy your games the merrier and more profitable. And if they want to keep making hardware that is also fine, just make sure it is compelling enough that users will choose that hardware over others to play the game.

[darthv72]

in a perfect world, these gaming systems would be nothing more than universal players (like DVD and Bluray) that come with a controller. The companies makes their games in such a way that one disc fits all so no matter if you put it into a Sony, JVC, MS, Sanyo, Samsung or Nintendo... they all play the same.

3DO tried that back in the day but they wanted way to much $$ for licensing fees which meant that hardware companies had to sell their systems for more than they should because they dont get any $$ from software sales unlike Sony, Nintendo and MS. Which usually sell their hardware at a loss (to some extent) but make the difference up in software and fees.

Now maybe we will evolve to that point on one disc fits all. Especially in the current situation of both PS4 and XBO are more alike than different so why not have Activision make one disc that works on both???? These things are like PC's and in the PC world one disc is designed to work on varying configurations of hardware.

[maybelovehate]

That would be ideal. Not just no exclusives, but Play Anywhere on all games. It is a nice dream indeed

[mcstorm]

Yep spot on but Microsoft are making windows/Xbox closer and I see them putting the two together soon to which in a way is great for the industry imo

[rainslacker]

While in a perfect world that may be the case, the bigger issue is, who decides what the hardware will be? Too many hands in the pot each having their own interest in what the hardware will provide to really come to a consensus on what the hardware will offer.

With movies, you have the content makers who decide this, and they all work through a consortium of hardware makers to come to a conclusion. The hardware itself doesn't offer up much beyond the ability to play such content in the way the content providers agree to.

This isn't going to be so easy on consoles, as there are lots of other services which cause the making of hardware to be profitable. On top of that, each company has it's own ecosystem which they want to push over the other, and it's hard to see any of them giving up that in order to make things more fluid for the consumer.

On top of that, it means that the actual improvements to consoles and the services which they provide could stagnate, as many of the things we see now do come about from competition, or at least get better through said competition.

Last but not least, even if we say the big 3 come to some form of consensus, it doesn't mean that another company comes along to say they have a better way, and potentially threatening the conglomerate....particularly if the big one starts to stagnate. If the bigger market becomes destabilized because of a newcomer, then it could be much worse than just one company having to fight harder for market share, and could lead to a more monopolistic industry.

[InTheLab]

I don't think you understand the nature of console gaming....

[Sitdown]

Wait, so we have been hearing that the Xbox has no games, but now they would go third party and release the very thing that we have been told they don't have? Geeez, come on people, stick to one line of reasoning.

[trooper_]

How hard is it for Microsoft to deliver true first party exclusives?

[rainslacker]

I think the question is answered by the fact that MS current track seems to profit more off the licensing of other publishers work, than off their own output.

However, at the same time, GaaS does do better when on more platforms. GaaS as a general rule is profitable based on user base, and the higher the user base, the more chance people spend money.

MS gave away Windows 10 for a long time because of this very principal, because they see companies like Apple and Google making money hand over fist. Not because they're making an OS, but because they have an outlet to sell other people's work and make money on it. There is less reason to continuously improve the OS with this model, than their old paradigm which can be easily threatened as people shift their computing habits.

The only reason I could see MS going third party is if they were somehow able to have their services be a major part of how the consumer buys their games, so they can continue to make money off it. Since I don't see that happening on PS or Nintendo consoles, MS is likely to continue to make hardware. At most, I can see MS going to a licensing model, where they don't make the actual hardware, but provide a baseline spec for other hardware makers to follow, on which, their software and services would be the primary way to purchase products. I'm not sure this would be that beneficial to the hardware makers though, and things like 3DO and Steambox have shown that it's not really something that takes off, so MS would have to find a way to make it appealing.

[PhoenixUp]

It’d be ridiculous for Microsoft to invest billions into the Xbox brand only to later abandon it to become exclusively a third party publisher again

[Tazzy]

It was ridiculous for them to invest in Zune and the Windows phone to and where did that get them?? Zune is gone and the Windows phone is going to end up the same way soon enough. The Xbox brand will either be only for PC or for all platforms in the future.

[The_Sage]

It did happen with Sega, Phoenix.

[PhoenixUp]

@ Tazzy

Neither of those devices had anywhere near the success that the Xbox brand has had, so not really comparable.

@ Sage

Sega was going bankrupt when they exited the hardware market. Microsoft is suffering no such thing.

[The_Sage]

I don't think Microsoft is going to exit the console space anytime soon, but... If the the console hardware is determined to be non profitable, they could shut it down. The board of directors will not continue to fund projects that are not bringing a positive return.

To be clear, I'm not saying that this is happening, just that it is not an impossibility to no longer fund a product line that is no longer profitable. It's like Harley Davidson no longer building golf carts. The company is fine, but the decision was made to stop the golf cart division. This can happen to any product from any company. No more beanie babys, thank God.

[crazychris4124]

Why would they?? They are making a ton of money and that's all they care about.

[Xb1ps4]

Because apparently you can only be successful if you’re number one, if you’re not number one there is no way you can be making a ton of money.../s

[FallenAngel1984]

I don’t see Microsoft putting their games on PlayStation when the reason they entered the hardware market in the first place was because they felt PlayStation’s growing influence was a threat to PC.

It’s as ridiculous an idea as Sony putting their first party titles on Nintendo consoles. When these corporations invest billions into cultivating a brand that spreads their company’s influence in consumers lives, they don’t simply turn back into a third party publisher.

[Araragifeels]

Microsoft only entered the console market because Sony refused to work with them, according to a former Microsoft exec. http://m.ign.com/articles/2...

[Xb1ps4]

And Sony only entered because Nintendo didn’t want to work with them..

[Araragifeels]

@Xb1ps4 Objection! Sony only enter the console wars because in 1988 where it was originally a joint project between Nintendo and Sony. Sony and Nintendo were prepared to partner on a CD-ROM drive for the SNES. Things went sour. The deal fell apart. Eventually, Sony President Ohga decided to retain the project after being reminded by Kutaragi of the humiliation he suffered from Nintendo. So Sony joined because they were humiliated and backstab.

[Xb1ps4]

How’s that an objection? Lmfao!

Did Sony try to partner with Nintendo? Yes...

Did the plan follow through? No...

Why? Because Nintendo didn’t want to..

And now we have the....... PlayStation.. regardless of who’s feelings was hurt..

[FallenAngel1984]

And you know what Microsoft wanted to work with Sony right? For PlayStation to help spread Windows into the living rooms of consumers

[Tazzy]

Minecraft is an Xbox game and its on Playstation and Nintendo consoles already I don't see why they won't put their games on everything and make a ton of money from it.

[FallenAngel1984]

Minecraft was on PlayStation systems before Microsoft bought Mojang. Of course they’re not going to pull the game from those devices when it already proved to be so lucrative.

So poor example. They have no reason to go third party. Hell Nintendo had more reasons to go third party and they still stuck into the hardware market

[hiawa23]

Simple answer is no. This must be a joke. There is no way MS would invest what they have invested in the Xbox brand to go third party. I know there are many MS haters out there but lets come back to reality here. They have the Xbox platform and windows PC platform for their games. Good enough..

[rainslacker]

If MS decides to leave the hardware market, then I can see them continuing to make games through 3rd party ventures.

But before that, I don't see it being a thing, or even a reasonable thing to even speculate on.

Before this question is asked, the question of if MS will stay in the hardware market needs to be asked and answered. Before that, it's premature to even consider.

[datriax]

"Should" they? Ya, they should. They've blundered the Xbox name into oblivion.

"Will" they? Not a friggen chance. They are both too arrogant, and too stubborn to ever admit defeat. They'll have to accept it someday, but they'll never willingly do so.

[DeadSilence]

We need competition so hopefully Microsoft ain't going anywhere.

[Araragifeels]

Nintendo is the only competitions against PlayStation. I wouldn't be surprised in 2 or 3 years, Switch is outselling Xbone family worldwide.

[BigWan78]

they already are 3rd party.

killer instinct can be purchased on steam
minecraft can be purchased on everything
viva pinata was available on the 3ds
age of empires was leased out for awhile...

so microsoft has done some 3rd party work.

[kevnb]

i could see them dropping console and making everything about the pc while maintaining what people like about consoles. Having said that, this wont happen in the next few years.

[Prem8tuaProcrastin8a]

No, Phil Spencer did not say you will see Xbox games on competitors platforms, keep dreaming.

[_-EDMIX-_]

Why would he or anyone at Microsoft ever tell you something like that while still trying to sell the Xbox one right now? Chances are for Microsoft is planning to go 100% multi-platform they're not really going to tell you.

[Tazzy]

It don't matter what he said its not up to him to say hey things aren't working out for the Xbox brand lets go third party its up to higher ups MasterChief is on Minecraft for Switch so anything is possible.

https://www.destructoid.com...

[Dlaw76]

Nope but Sony should they have some great developers

[Tazzy]

Sony won't ever do it they sell hardware Xbox is struggling to do so they lost 54 million people that bought the 360 Sony still has their fan base along with their great developers.

[ILostMyMind]

Microsoft already did it. They launch their games on Steam.

[Toby_1981]

That probably would be good for them. They probably would make more profit that way too. Also they might release an Xbox streaming service for all major platforms.

[jokerisalive]

Yeah sure right after they bring out the X and are looking into finally adding studios and games to their portfolio........wishful thinking by some.

[Toby_1981]

"finally adding studios and games to their portfolio"

I've heard that so many times. I recall them saying that 4 years ago. Even Don Mattrick use to say that last generation. So why is it different now? That's the major reason why I sold my Xbox one this generation.

[Bobafret]

This is nothing but a thinly veiled wish for MS to exit hardware.

[ocelot07]

I can somewhat see it happening I suppose. I wouldn't be surprised in say 5 years time instead of having a normal games console. They go into the PC/Laptop/Tablet market. Have a few different Xbox branded desktop's and a few Xbox branded Laptops and a few Xbox branded tablets. With there 1st party games popping up on the Windows 10 store and maybe PlayStation and Nintendo.

But if am being honest. I don't want to see that. I much rather they stick to the console market. Providing they are in the market. Dosn't matter how they are doing. It will always keep Sony and Nintendo on their feet. If Microsoft leaves the console business then I think both Nintendo and Sony would take the foot off the pedal and that is the last thing I want to see.

[Enjoigamin]

Lol what where they smoking when they wrote this trash

[GamingSinceForever]

It seems to me that Sony should handle the software while MS does the hardware. MS usually has the better hardware each gen.

But I also understand that Sony is making one helluva profit right now.

[timotim]

Well for starters, Microsoft is already 3rd party in a sense, and its in that sense only that I think they will stay 3rd party. Microsoft currently makes games and services right now on damn near all platforms...with PS, Nintendo, PC, mobile, Kindle devices etc. I think Microsoft only expands on this in the future. I see them putting more IPs on mobile and Nintendo platforms where it makes sense. I don't see them putting too much on Sony platforms however. This would be smart considering they are pushing online cross-play between these platforms as much as possible and game sales is where the money is. I also think its something to this streaming service that Spence talked up recently...if Microsoft allows GamePass to be either download or streaming even on non gaming consoles, that would be awesome!

Ultimately, I think Microsoft has a good plan for the future, that really changes the game in ways not too many others have attempted before.

[BLKxSEPTEMBER]

Absolutely not. Why would ANYONE want Sony to have a monopoly on game consoles? Competition is great for consumers. I don't want to play Halo on PS anymore than I wanna play TLOU on Xbox.

[mazer_rancor]

Can't see it happening. They should direct their efforts at developing some interesting new IP's, aside from some exceptions a lot of the exclusives this gen of xbox have been a bit bland.

There is no need to ever make a Gears of War game again.

[Trueflames]

Same they said about nintendo and now they are killing it above Sony in sales just wait till the xbox numbers show up for the holidays they gonna be fine

[joinsideke]

no.

people said the same crap about nintendo 2 years ago. Just give it time. Just be patient. Just stop speculating.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Not entirely but I think things like Minecraft and possibly Sea of Thieves would be use case games for staying/going 3rd party.

[strayanalog]

Technically aren't they already since their games are on PC?‎

Basically all of the Big 3 will be in the future. Games will be a service, like Netflix, on a smart tv or streaming device. Only thing needed would be a controller. If they happen to be separated it would only be by channels or service exclusives, but all games would be readily available on the same device.‎

[corroios]

The first step was done by putting the games on pc

[Retroman]

Why is everyone on YouTube complaining their Xb1x died 48hours later or Dead on arrival , but editor here not reporting it . 50 YouTubers claiming Xb1x died.

[trooper_]

No, competition is good. They need to invest in true exclusives.

[Veneno]

Mocrosoft would have to have studios if they go 3rd party.

[Araragifeels]

What is a mocrosoft? Never knew that they had a console or even make Games.

[greywolf39]

If they go third party and make games like Halo and Gears on ALL platforms xbox div. is dead. And if there is no xbox to compete with sony, sony wont push their limits no more. And only we gamers are loosing here. I like sony, and their EXCLUSIVES, but for them to make more exclusives they need competition to keem em moving forward

[DigitalCentralMedia]

No.

[jlove4life]

Not trying to be funny but with what games after forza halo gears sea of thieves crackdown whats left now Nintendo that would be boss. Xbox should be a service want better online experience chat and btw access to few games we got pay 99ayr for xbox live on any device PlayStation pc Nintendo and mobile

[reaper602]

Nope,competition is good

[Wotbot]

I think it would be better if Sony did, they have some class first party studios which I would love to see on the One x hardware.

[OffRoadKing]

In a way they kind of already are, you can play all their games on PC so theres no real need for their console's.

[Yohshida]

They just released a new console last week and are already working on the next one. Minecraft is a horrible example for that. It was on PlayStation even before they bough Mojang. Releasing it on switch and 3DS was a brilliant move. Taking something that isnt exclusive to the platform that 100% targets that game is a good move.

[Elda]

I wouldn't mind Killer Instinct but they can keep Halo,Forza,Minecraft & GoW.

[DialgaMarine]

If they want this whole GaaS future, they might as well. Hell, they’d probably benefit far more by putting their games on PS.

[TheColbertinator]

They barely have first party studios

[Vectrexer]

No they shouldn't, they need to keep the games on the most powerful console!

[Bronxs15]

Yes

[LandoCalrissiano]

Everyone should go third party. What's the worst thing that happens if you can play Mario on playstation and Nintendo sells 50 million more copies? There's a reason gta 5 has shipped 85 million copies and it's not cuz people can only play on 1 platform. Of course games will be played best on Nintendo but I've used many emulators on my computer to play gba, nes, snes, ds, and n64 with no problems.

[HyperMouse]

No streaming service will ever take off, no one wants their gaming life reliant on internet, even if most games are always online there is always one i can play when the interwebs is down, as for making their games on every system i could see that and it would be the death of Xbox.

[GamingCentaur]

And release what? They have no games.

[BigTrain]

MS and Nintendo should go 3rd party. Especially Nintendo.

[3-4-5]

what? who are these people wanting Microsoft and Nintendo to go 3rd party ? They don't know what they are talking about and the rest of you should stop being fooled by it.

When you are one of only three companies within your market.....regardless of said market, you don't leave that market, as the % you hold within it is too great to risk leaving. You don't walk away from those potential profits unless you don't know what you are doing.

Anybody suggesting this has never had a real job.

[_-EDMIX-_]

You could prove your point without trying to attack people personally.

Also there is great reason for why multiple people wish Nintendo to go multi-platform a lot of it stems from the system is only valuable for one publisher so much to the point where people cannot see value in buying the system for one or two games that's exactly why you saw a big success like Pokemon go or even Mario run and why you'll probably see big success with Animal Crossing Mobile.

It's simply saying that more people would buy the software then actually buy the hardware for a single game.

You also have to understand that what is really the value of a company's Hardware if the consumer does not even feel justified in buying the hardware for one or two games? So what you're talking about in regards to the percentages of the market is actually irrelevant especially when the consumers decide.

Technically speaking there's only two companies in regards to the Home console Market Nintendo drop that market when they decided to only go portable only with the switch. 😎

Different Market buddy.

Also keep in mind what you're actually talking about is called Market manipulation it's literally trying to tell people what's good for them and that the market makes sense based on what "you" think and not what the customer thinks at the end of the day if the customer believes they would rather buy Nintendo software on other people's Hardware that is likely the way the market is going to shift in fact all you would see is the millions who normally buy Nintendo systems simply buying PC Xbox or Playstation...

If Nintendo never believed in this they would never have been releasing their games on IOS and Android.

If Nintendo believed in releasing lots of Hardware why are they only releasing one portable now? How come they're no longer making home consoles? 🤔🤔🤔

Because it's starting to look like Nintendo has their own contingency plan, they're making less hardware and they're releasing more content on the mobile market to not be surprised if next Generation you either don't get another switch or you got to switch that's releasing games on all platforms as well.

Nintendo's job is to make money selling software.

[Tazzy]

I think they will I mean Zune was an attempt to take on Ipod and it bombed Windows phone was an attempt to take on Samsung and Apple phones and it didn't do well and they've been trying to take on Nintendo and Sony and have failed at that. I'm an Xbox fan but the way they've been going isn't good releasing the Xbox One X now to go against the sales of PS4/PRO plus the Switch isn't smart at all console wars are real and they aren't going to win one. They make their money in software not hardware at e3 next year I guarantee a price drop for the Xbox One X and a few more after it if they're making money in software the route I see them taking is third party and people say money is made in software which is true but its also made in hardware.

[Max-Zorin]

Do Playstation fans even respect Xbox franchises?

[bumbleforce]

I don't see any of the big 3 going tp especially ms. I see Nintendo the most likly but still unlikely.

[FancyMudkip]

Nintendo is far from most likely.

[agent4532]

I don't mind, the current console gaming business model is no longer viable. The consoles have 5 year old technology making game developers greedy by making games extremely short and cinematic instead of interactive complete with next-generation animation.

[Father__Merrin]

I'd love gears on PlayStation

[TheHan]

The moment they release there games on other platforms is the moment Xbox dies. Why would you ever need to buy a Xbox if you can play all their games anywhere else.

[DOOMZ]

HELL NO, LOL!!! Thats just silly...

[P_Bomb]

Besides future Minecrafts, go third party with what?

[inxine]

nah don't think so. companies like that make big bucks with consoles.

[KillBill]

Simple answer is... No.

And the guy poorly thinks that MS is going to go the way of game streaming to compete in the future. I guess he hasn't realized that game streaming is not the way of the near future or beyond.

Ask PS Now how well their service is doing. Streaming games regardless of cloud or any other online function is just a step backward. Lag alone is disastrous.