Xbox Game Pass Is Microsoft's Biggest Advantage Over PlayStation 5

Escapist: "In the coming console generation between Microsoft's Xbox Series X and Sony's PlayStation 5, Xbox Game Pass could be a major value differentiator."

[Jin_Sakai]

Gamepass exist now and most are still choosing PS4 over Xbox One.

[Neonridr]

Gamepass didn't exist at the start of the gen though. Moving forward this will play a bigger role I think.

[AngelicIceDiamond]

Depends on how good MS 1st party is in next gen.

[Brave_Losers_Unite]

And yet every month PS4 outsells Xbox by a large margin

[ssj27]

Do gamepass has Horizon's Godofwar's(nothing near) Uncharted's(lara craft is similar but not even near as perfect and now smaller if i am not miataken) Killzone's(noting like killzone
and playstation now has similar to halo's actually from the same original devs) Granturismo's( yes forza) last of us's (nothing even near) demons soul's bloodborne unique exclusive experience that have similar experiences but not really nioh's spiderman's Socom's?

Xbox fanboys think franchises doesn't meter lol most if not all this IP revolution the gaming industry. The only ip i can think it revolution something it was Gears but that was like 2 gens away and no game is using it formula any more because it got bored and outdated. And halo was been done before by many pc games and is also a outdated formula COD is the one that revolutionized shorters genre. Socom did that for tactical competitive online shorter and GG will bring it back to it whole glory starting next gen!!!

So nintendo or plastation fans can care less about gamepass . When games are selling great over 10 million copys most big ips and consoles sale over 100milion who cares lol

[bouzebbal]

Lol sometimes I really wonder if these websites know what they are writing.. Game Pass has so many negative aspects. For once if you have regular game pass you can't play online.. You need ultimate to do so. Second, it's not a streaming service... You need good space to download every game..
PS5 has ps now, which is a far better alternative.. You can steam everything from PS4 or pc or download all PS4 games on PS4. You don't need Ps+ to play now games online..

[darthv72]

@bouz... are you sure you don't need + to play the PS4 games with online support in PSNow? I know you dont with PS2 and PS3 because there was no paid online requirement for those originally but with PS4 I believe there is. Meaning only PS4 games offered on PSNow that have online play could (or would) require + to play online.

[Unspoken]

More mad fanboys attempting to discredit the website and author when something positive is said about Xbox. Nothing new here.

[gravedigger]

Gamepass exists for almost a 3 years.....and Xbone sales have never been worse

China will save Xbone, Backward compatibility will save Xbone, Gamepass for 1$ will save Xbone, wait for E3 will save Xbone....Oh wait.

[neutralgamer1992]

Until the advantage ms have over Sony are games nothing else will matter. If one year ahead start and launching a broken system to boost sale numbers didn't stop ps3 from outselling the Xbox 360 than gamepass won't be it

BC didn't help
Gamepass didn't help
$99-149 system didn't help

This is gaming and have below average games or sale old same old doesn't help

[derek]

I would be more supportive of the arguments in favor of gamepass if Microsoft was providing hard data to back up their claims.

[Kingthrash360]

Gamespass existed same time as the switch came out...switch surpassed xbox total sales is record time

[The Wood]

1 puff 2 puff 3 puff 4, . . .

. . . . this same movement occurred prior to this gen. . The western media are backing their horse as I'm sure the Asian media are backing theirs.

Have you guys not noticed the ratio of super positive articles for the xbox brand vs Sony's. . . Like honestly you'd think all of these advantages Microsoft has had at their disposal would have prevented them from coming last this gen.

[ABizzel1]

I agree with this to an extent.

Gamepass is definitely the best gaming subscription service on console IMO, however, PSNow is slowly catching up, and with a decent overhaul in catalog it could be almost as good come next generation, because I seriously doubt Sony will put their PS5 exclusives on there day 1, but if the majority of PS4 games come and are playable on Now it won't really matter.

The problem is PS4 has over 100 million users, and those 100 million users aren't goin got want to lose their library knowing that they will be playable on the PS5.

[S2Killinit]

But Ps5 will have something very similar in PsNow.

[Kumakai]

gamepass is relatively new and this generation is almost over. xbox services have actually been increasing in users even as hardware sales decline for both ps4 and xbox due to the end of the generation and announcements of gen9. ps4 already had a sizable 2:1 sales lead before gamepass even existed. no way to alter that course at the end of a generation.

xbox will also be launching gen9 with a ton more first party than this gen and they will also have cloud streaming. nothing is set in stone for playstation - especially when you factor in that the Series X console might actually be significantly more powerful than the ps5 if recent rumors/specs are true. thats a lot of sway power for gen 9 imo.

[gravedigger]

Gamepass isn't relatively new. It's on the market for 2 and a half years.

[sampsonon]

do they charge pc players to play online? if no that is a huge amount of money lost.
I still don't see how they will make AAA games at a monthly price and no online fees for pc gamers.
i heard that Gold and PS Plus is in the billions in revenue.

[343_Guilty_Spark]

That's largely because most chose PS4 early in the gen. Why would you get an Xbox if 9/10 friends have a PS4?

[ElementX]

That's true, only recently multi-platform games have included cross platform online. You had to buy a PS4 because your friends did in order to play COD or whatever.

MS has acquired studios this gen and will have a stronger first party line-up next generation. For people who use the "exclusives sell consoles" reasoning, MS will be in a better position. Fun fact, the Switch has a higher attach rate for exclusives than either PS or Xbox. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was bought by 46% of Switch owners, numbers Sony and MS could probably never achieve.

[Kingthrash360]

Then why did the switch outsell xbox one in the same time frame?

[343_Guilty_Spark]

@kingthrash it's cheaper, and it's Nintendo. It's why the 3DS obliterated the PSP

[Ceaser9857361]

Well this gen Xbox hardly won like max 5 months tops. And Game pass didnt help much to push the console sales either. Xbox fans fails to notice that Since Xbox games are also available on PC most dont bother buying the Xbox. If they want powaah they spend more on upgrading their pc. Also Exclusive games are better on the PS4.

Trust me next gen the scenario will be the same. PS5 will again sell more for the same reason.. Bookmark this post, we will talk around Jab Feb 2021.

[ElementX]

@ceaser Xbox games are on PC for the PC audience. Some PC gamers won't buy a console, no matter how good the exclusives are. Why would they give up their higher FPS, precision controls with KB/M, modding, and better graphics?

[darthv72]

Gamepass is a great deal and it wouldnt surprise anyone if Sony followed suit and started pushing even more newer games on PSNow than they do. Maybe they wont go day one but I can see them putting games on it after the first month. If it works out then they will add more and shorten the wait time even further.

People give MS crap for the things they come up with but when you start to see how it effects the others (into doing something similar) you then realize they do have some influence in the industry.

[gravedigger]

"are you sure you don't need + to play the PS4 games with online support in PSNow? I know you dont with PS2 and PS3 because there was no paid online requirement for those originally but with PS4 I believe there is. Meaning only PS4 games offered on PSNow that have online play could (or would) require + to play online. "

If you have a PS Now sub and PS4 games which are on PS Now offer and has an online component - PS+ ISN'T NEEDED. You're an Xbone fan, right? Of course you don't have a clue what are you talking about.

" Multiplayer on PlayStation Now"

If you are playing a PS Now game that includes online multiplayer modes, you'll be able to access these just as you would if you owned the game on disc or download. PS Plus is not required for PS Now online multiplayer."

https://www.playstation.com...

[rdgneoz3]

Gamepass is also on PC... Why buy a Xbox SeX if you can play all the stuff on your PC with Gamepass with better graphics and fps? Meanwhile Sony is releasing games that you can only get on their consoles, which is an incentive to buy their systems.

[DaDrunkenJester]

For the millions of people who like Console gaming over PC gaming and who want 4k graphics without dropping $1k+ on a GPU alone...

[ThinkThink]

That's exactly what Microsoft wants. If you have a gaming PC, they would rather you sign up with Gamepass Ultimate instead of buying a console. If you don't have a gaming PC or a 4k TV, you can go for the Series S ( Lockheart). If you have a 4k tv, go with the Series X. Plenty of options if you're an Xbox/PC gamer.

[343_Guilty_Spark]

Because you can't play all of the same titles between PC and Xbox.

[Zeref]

We don't know the impact gamepass will have yet. It's still young

[ThinkThink]

Like with Netflix, It's going to take more than 3 years to find its true stride. I would think Gamepass would be firing on all cylinders by 2021. By then, the fruits of the studio acquisitions will be much more apparent.

[DaDrunkenJester]

I think it will be more of a draw when choosing new consoles (besides those who already know they want one or the other or both). GamePass you get all of MS's launch games which includes the new Halo and I'm sure they will have other launch day deals on it all without having to spend big money day one after already dropping (likely $500) money on the console itself. It will be better for those who maybe also skipped Xbox One that way they have all MS past games they may have wanted to try, but never bought a One etc.

It's certainly an attractive launch day deal. Depending on what PS5 brings at launch, but if its anything like PS4's launch then I'm definitely going Xbox at launch and picking up PS5 a bit later once the hits start landing.

[Orionsangel]

If this rumor on backwards compatibility turns out to be true and on top of it Sony lets you keep all of the games tied to your PSN account with PS4 and PS3 then Sony will crush on all fronts.

PS5 will reportedly be backwards compatible with the PS4, PS3, PS2, and PS1:

https://comicbook.com/gamin...

[conanlifts]

True, but going forward it will have an established library of games and hopefully a raft of new exclusives.

[outsider1624]

I mean its nice and all but if i had to choose between Gamepass and GoW2, Spiderman 2, HzD2, Tlou3 or a new ND ip,etc etc.... I'd choose the PS5.

[bluefox755]

Zero interest in gamepass, or any other subscription nonsense. You can keep your GaaS,

[CaptainCook]

You pay monthly for PS Plus?

[gangsta_red]

oops

[MasterCornholio]

Some people prefer to play multiplayer games on PC to avoid the subscription. That's what I do.

[CaptainHenry916]

@Master

That's exactly what I do lol

[gangsta_red]

That's what everybody says to avoid looking like a hypocrite. I doubt that's what most do on here.

It's funny to read how many people don't subscribe to pS+ but then get excited for the free games for that month

🤔

[MasterCornholio]

@Gangsta

"It's funny to read how many people don't subscribe to pS+ but then get excited for the free games for that month"

I actually don't have a subscription to either Xbox Live or PS Plus. When u make comments on the monthly game offerings i just state my opinion on whether it's a good month or not.

Like I said before I game on PC to avoid the multiplayer tax on both PlayStation and Xbox. There's nothing wrong with that.

🕶️

[Thunder_G0d_Bane]

Hahahha got eeeeemm!!

Glad PC is my platform I only play single player exclusives on PS4.

[TheHateTheyGive]

Gamepass is a desperate hail mary to trying to be relevant this gen, also to cover the fact that they dont have exclusives. Personally i love game pass. But i know why it was created.

[NeoGamer232]

Last generation PSN was pathetic to start the generation. PS needed a hail marry to improve their network and they got it by creating PS Plus where they gave away two free games every month with their network subscription that no one was willing to pay for on its own. Companies desperate for customers is a good thing and creates innovation in business models. GamePass and PS Plus are perfect examples of that and would not have existed had it not been for two very important hail marrys by the respective companies.

[darthv72]

That is not what + was created for. + was initially a discount subscription service. Like a members only club where members got discounts on games and add-ons while non members paid full price. They added in the free games to sweeten the deal because they weren't getting the numbers like they expected.

PSN as it was did pretty good for itself. Offering online play without the need to pay (and it was obvious Sony couldnt charge for online with the way PSN was bare bones) but this gen they took a que from MS and decided to make their PS+ into their own Gold. Requiring pay to play online and still offering the free games (like Gold). i notice they did away with the discounts aspect. Meaning anyone can now take advantage of the offers regardless of membership (again like Gold).

Sony has basically been following MS lead when it comes to these sort of endeavors.

[NeoGamer232]

@darthv72
PS+ was created to get money to fund their network. It was getting to big and too expensive to run for free and Sony had boldly promised their network would always be free. So, they created PS+ to give some deals to PS gamers on games. It didn't entice enough people to pay so they added monthly free games which sent the service skyrocketing and providing them the necessary funding to substantially improve the network.

In short, it was a hail marry to fund their network because without PS+ the PSN would not be where it is today.

[darthv72]

@Neo, you said the same thing I did. But your initial comment made it seem like + started out with free games when it did not. It was for discounts and promos. They didnt add the free games until much later and then when MS saw the numbers increase is when they reacted and gave games away to gold members as well. But yes i agree with the assessment that + (and the free games) was done to spur interest in the PS network and they in turn used those funds to improve things. But this gen they decided to make it a pay to play online like Gold because they felt their network had matured to the point people would be okay with paying. I think it's turned out pretty good for them so far.

[IRetrouk]

@darth
Few things you got wrong there, first, from your post further up, ps plus is not needed to play ps now games online, never was, second, sony gave out games from day one of the service launching, third, ps plus subscribers still get extra discount, both in ps plus only sales and as an added extra to the other sales, do you actually use a ps4 or any of its services?

https://ibb.co/5xkRr0w
https://ibb.co/W3smy9R

I get you have to have a jab at the gamepass hailmary thing, that's fair enough, but use facts, not made up stuff.

[darthv72]

I was aware that Now didnt require + for the PS3 and PS2 games that supported online. I wasn't sure if that applied to the PS4 ones seeing as + is required for online play outside of Now. I havent been a + member since 2012.

[IRetrouk]

Fair enough, cant hold that against ya, hate paying for online play personally, understand why we have to though, and the bonus games and stuff are good at times. Swings in roundabouts really.

[monkey602]

As far as I'm concerned GamePass is the ONLY advantage Xbox has.

[Christopher]

Digital+disc-based BC? Absolutely no one else has that.

Most powerful hardware this generation that plays 4k ahead of next-gen consoles that will play 4k games?

1st-party elite controllers and accessible controllers?

I 100% agree with not seeing them as "big" advantages compared to others, but there are other advantages. They just might not add up to much to you compared to others.

[monkey602]

That would be where as far as "I'm concerned" comes into play

It kills me to spend 60euro on a controller if I need a replacement. Theres no chance in hell I'm spending nearly 200 euro on one. That's nonsense.

Theres no proof yet that the next Xbox will be more powerful than the PS5. Ironically many Microsoft fans didnt care about the Xbox being the weaker of the 2 for years when the 1 and ps4 released yet now can't shut up about it.

Backwards compatibility is going to be a focus for both platforms next gen too.

Microsoft have an uphill battle ahead of them to try an even remotely impress me next gen, I'm not shy to admit that but then they only deserve that doubt after the shambles I've seen the Xbox 1 turn out to be and the latter years of the 360 weren't much better

[darthv72]

@united, that whitelist is about to get even bigger because they shifted the bc program over to scarlett to continue to get 360 and og games on it in addition to the ones already supported by the one. It's an organic process that is always growing and expanding.

[Bennibop]

Gamepass is no longer an advantage though now that PS Now has been revamped and reprice and the offering improved. It actually has more games that game pass.

[RazzerRedux]

It isn't enough. It hasn't made a difference and no reason to think that will change.

What will make a difference is what some of us have been saying constantly for years. Better first party games. Now that they have the studios, maybe that will finally happen.

[Segata]

Game Pass is nice and all but like PS+ I see the games as a try before I buy. I tried Ruiner on Game Pass then bought the physical game on PS4.

[Bronxs15]

That’s awesome. Keep it up. Devs notice sales increase when they go on gamepass due to the exposure. Your habits will encourage more games on game pass for me which works with my style of gaming. For example I guy god of war for 60 when it comes out then sell it a week later for 50 after I beat it. So it cost me 10 dollars to play god of war. Gamepass is just more convenient for me to pay 10 bucks and play big games and not have to worry about meeting people to sell back my used games too.

[SocialDanny123]

It's pretty much inevitable that Game Pass will have the most subscribers within the Console Industry and outside Consoles.

Subscriptions Services, especially in the entertainment industry, is VERY hard.

Sub gaming services need to accomplish 3 things to be successful in the long run:
1. Be profitable enough to be sustainable for the platform
2. Fair compensation for content creators
3. Sustain enough content at a low enough price to drive the necessary user base

If you don't have all 3, your service will fail to gain traction. The only thing that Microsoft lacks is the First Party Content quality, 3rd Party and indie content quality is there already. Sony lacks the sustainability part. Which is something that is much much much harder to overcome than First Party content issues, especially if that business is a core business.

Sony's issues in creating a Subscription Service and sustaining it is much more difficult than creating quality first-party content.

That's a reality why Sony will likely never be able to compete long term in this market. They cannot sustain PSNow to directly compete with Game Pass.

[crazyCoconuts]

Why do you think Sony can't sustain content at a low enough price with PSNow? I mean, they've been doing it for years and have amassed a bigger game library already than GP last I checked. Now if you mean they can't sustain the losses MS can by giving away subs at promotional prices, I can see that...

[Muzikguy]

I'd also like to add that MS isn't exactly good at sustaining anything either by constantly "giving it away"

[SocialDanny123]

Because PS is their core business, Sony cannot sustain the losses that PS Now will endure in a subscription gaming market, especially if it becomes the dominant way to compete, Companies will keep their core business profits and revenue high and use that money to subsidise to invade into other markets.

If Microsoft subsidises Game Pass and it gains major traction, Sony will need to sacrifice their core business profits and revenue to compete.

First Party alone is not enough to sustain a subscription service. If you have only 2 games releasing every year then people will have no incentive to keep subscribing and if you only have AAA SP story games, you won't have get enough subscribers who aren't fans of that genre. It's why Netflix is successful because they have a diverse library and MS is moving towards diversity, Sony is not.

I'm gonna make a bold statement. If you're a company that has Gaming as a Core business and have a Subscription service, you're likely going to be wiped out and bankrupt long term as subscription gaming gets bigger.

[crazyCoconuts]

So you're saying that your rule #1 doesn't need to apply to MS- they'll operate at a loss for a while. Yea, I agree, Sony isn't in a position to do that. But I don't think shareholders will let MS do that indefinitely either. There's only so much they can do to bury losses in the P&L - if they don't turn a profit in another year or two, I'm betting they throw in the towel or raise rates...

[Abnor_Mal]

Is it safe go say that having established GOTY first party development houses is what will set PS5 apart form Series X?

Then next gen Sony will have to step up PS Now in some way.

[DaDrunkenJester]

Well they have already brought down the price of PSNow which was a great step, they incorporated local downloads at least for games that aren't PS3 games, they have been adding more of their hits on PS4 like God of War and Horizon. So they are already making better steps with Now. They also allow PC users to stream all the games which isn't ideal, but its still a good move to increase users.

I think if they can tighten up their servers and offer better streaming, as well as have a plan to release new games sooner on the service you'll see the increase.

[Abnor_Mal]

Is that the reason why the teamed up with Microsoft for use of their Azure servers? I'm not tech knowledgeable so I am unsure what that deal is all about.

I do think that they should put any game that is first party MP on PSNow like Dreams and the rumored MP Socom or Killzone. Also after sales slow down on the first party games then yeah put them on Now for a limited time. After four years put them permanently on the service.

[Bronxs15]

I’ve been replaying some of my favourite games of the gen lately. I have to admit. I criminally under estates gears 5. Game is so amazing. First time I tweeted a dev to tell them thanks for making g an awesome game. Like wise I criminally overrated horizon zero dawn. And literally fell asleep during my replay llol. I did enjoy my first play thru tho.

Anyways multi console owner. No real horse in the race but I think people will be really surprised and pleased if they gave one Xbox games a fair chance.

[NeoGamer232]

I think that Sony has excellent first party studios for sure. No disputing that fact at all. But if you look at the games that have been created by the acquired first party studios by Microsoft as independent under-funded studios I think it is also safe to say that as long as Microsoft funds them well and gives them creative freedom many could become GOTY contenders.

MS is stepping up their first party studios, Sony has to step up its cloud and services. The competition between the two is great for gamers!

[Abnor_Mal]

That's what I am saying too, as of right now those developers haven't done anything under MS so they still have to show and prove. They are definitely on the right track by acquiring new studios, now they have to nurture and grow them.

I think Sony deal with Azure may help Sony with cloud. I think we will see a lot if cross pollination between them when it comes to certain games and maybe services. Like the article yesterday of Sony creating gesture based motions for AR/VR that can be applied to many various devices including systems from Microsoft and Nintendo. I don't think you'll be able to play PSVR on those systems, but may mean that PSVR could be used to play third party and exclusive VR games for those specific consoles. Half Life Axyl on both PS4 and XSX, and Ninty can discontinue their Labo. Breath of the Wild in VR maybe.

[knickstr]

It's amazing how times change. At the beginning of the generation Microsoft got in trouble for introducing an always online system even for single player games with DRM. Now they introduce it in Games pass and nobody cares. I guess the biggest difference is now you never own the game at all.

[DaDrunkenJester]

Well you can probably thank PSNow for MS taking the idea of subscription based gaming and just improving on it and making it better. Sony has had that plan for all of PS4, but they never pushed it or tried to make it attractive in price.

[DaDrunkenJester]

@bluepets

What's wrong about what I said? Were they not the first ones to bring a service based streaming platform to stream games on a console?

[DaDrunkenJester]

@ciporta

It offered a better price model before PSNow changed, it offers an ultimate bundle that has Live and GamePass for PC, it supported native downloads before PSNow, it supports native downloads for PC, it supports newer games and day one MS published games.

And now that Xcloud is coming out, PSNow wont even have streaming over MS.

[DaDrunkenJester]

@blue

Better price, native downloads for Xbox and PC, newer and more relevant games, day 1 releases... xCloud has better servers and uses the games you already own, unlike PSNow.

[Bronxs15]

The biggest difference is Microsoft ha e an amazing value proposition for gamers. At they same time they found a way to kill the used game Market too I guess.

I never paid full price for new releases. For example. I’d buy god of war at 60 on release then sell it for 50 after I beat it. Effectively costing me 10 dollars. Ms first approach of killing used games wouldn’t allow me to do that and I didn’t support it. But now with game pass they cut out all the hassle for me of having to buy the game and then finding buyers online for my used game. I can just pay 10 and have a bunch of great games. And it’s not even like it’s a contract. You can turn of recurring billing. But just like Netflix I get so much use and great new games I stay subscribed

[DaDrunkenJester]

@bluepet

Lol okay but that's not what we're talking about.

[wiz7191]

Ok but us ppl who actually use gamepass already know that we dont own the game sonit doesnt matter. If I do want to own said game I can purchase it at a discounted price

[Kumakai]

well... and if true the recent developments that the Series X might be 33% (ish) more powerful than the ps5... and also xcloud - assuming it doesn't pull a Stadia (but the pricing model is already way better than stadia - especially if factoring in gamepass/xbl subscription aka ultimate).

[BlackRaven85_1]

I heard from people trying an early build of Microsoft's xCloud, that it's responsive and less laggy than Stadia could dream of. What does that translate to in the real world? We'll see when that information comes after that testing is done. You know, something Stadia should have done. More testing.

Should be interesting.

[GOULDYBOBS]

The real winners are PC owners

[gangsta_red]

It's definitely an advantage, but biggest advantage over PS5?

Especially when PSNow offers downloads too and I'm sure Sony is going to put that service at the front of their new system for next gen.

If MS can maintain the great games their now offering for their service into next gen and Sony some how doesn't offer anything of interest then it could definitely be an advantage in MS's favor.

The only current advantage are MS games being day one on the service.

[MasterCornholio]

"The only current advantage are MS games being day one on the service."

Pretty much and I expect them to do that with next gen as well. As for Sony I don't expect them to do the same unless their 1st party games don't sell well anymore. At the moment it's in their best interest to keep them off PSNow until after the games launch.

[gangsta_red]

I expect Sony to do the same regardless. They have been following MS's lead for a while now and even been ahead in terms of services despite what the consensus say.

With Sony's own admittance to pushing PSnow and services hard next gen I can see them putting their games on PSnow either first day or a lot quicker than they are doing now.

[MasterCornholio]

I don't expect them to do the same unless sales for 1st party titles are horrible. But that's just my opinion.

[gangsta_red]

It's not about sales being horrible, it's about attracting more customers and getting another form of monthly income.

[MasterCornholio]

Depends if that monthly income offsets the revenue thst comes from selling the game at full price. If they end up making less revenue then they simply won't do it.

[THC CELL]

Only a advantage for the players not as a whole

And again ms has won people over always online
See tricked and brainwashed

[AngelicIceDiamond]

"And again ms has won people over always online
See tricked and brainwashed"

What always online, where? nvm you're in fanboy world where make believe things up outta think air. Lets make up some more stuff Every Xbox game you download gives ppls Xbox's viruses lol. Pretend can be fun sometimes.

[ElementX]

They didn't win people over for always online, they removed it before One even hit the market because of backlash.

[P_Bomb]

I’d go so far as to say it’s mandatory if you main on Xbox. At these prices, it’s at least worth a summer drought sip.

[SoulWarrior]

I'd rather pick and choose my own games and actually own them, and not pay pennies for temporary rentals that devalue games as a whole, it sets a dangerous precedent imo, I am against subscriptions and GaaS in general.

[Smellsforfree]

Why not both? I like the subscription service because it is a good way for me to check out a bunch of games for relatively cheap. I've had a blast playing a lot of titles that only got a 60% or lower score on metacritic that I probably would have never given a shot without the subscription setup.

I also think it opens the door for shorter and/or faster paced games that can be played and enjoyed in less than 10 hours as oppose to the trend of "slow burn" games that offer 40+ hours of gameplay in order to justify their $60 normal edition and their $85 "special edition" price tags.

[gangsta_red]

How does a game get devalued?

Is Witcher 3 devalued because it's on Game Pass?

When you buy your games from retail used, is it a different game when bought new?

What exactly is dangerous, you rent the game, you play it finish it and move on.

[gangsta_red]

What's also funny is how Sony blocked used games by implementing Online Passes for all their first party games.

https://www.vg247.com/2011/...

It's also funny how much I heard people on this site defend used games saying it was their right to buy used but for some reason don't want to rent them because "it doesn't support the developer".

Buying that game used doesn't support the developer too, so I have to wonder why all of a sudden they're concerned with renting.

[gangsta_red]

"Online Passes which were created by EA and were meant to recoup some money for server maintenance on ++ONLINE++ games"

Meant to recoup server maintenance games...L.M.A.O. That's definitely a new one.

No, it wasn't meant for that unless you also want to say MTs and GaaS is meant to recoup game development costs and support those practices?

Sony along with EA and Activision got greedy and tried to curb sales of used games by implementing online Passes. A lot of Sony's PS3 games had a MP option not just sp only.

So it's funny you bring up how MS was supposed to block them but never did unlike Sony who actually took steps and implemented features to hurt used game sales.

And furthermore, it's interesting how people are pro used games and support the idea for it but then hate renting games with the excuse of "not supporting the developer". Buying used is the very same thing.

[TechnoGoat]

PS5's potential library of games is what's gonna give Xbox a run for their money.. MS has to step it up or they are gonna get dusted again this coming generation.

[Bronxs15]

By all accounts they have stepped it up. I think next gen Xbox sweeping all digital foundry face off will give sony a run for their money too.

[TechnoGoat]

With what? a spec sheet? Xbox has nothing but a future Gears Forza and Halo... right now the only exciting thing we know is coming is Hellblade 2

[Teflon02]

We’ll Pretend PSNow doesn’t exist and doesn’t blow it out the water with amount of content. Because MS releases the first party games on their service lol. That’s not an advantage outside the fact ms gives it away for a dollar every end of summer lol

[darthv72]

Like I've said before. PSNow is the best if you want old content that is readily available for cheap. The plethora of Ps2 and PS3 games is nice but their offerings for current gen, new releases, is paltry. People want the most out of their subscriptions and Sony would be wise to add way more newer games on Now than they do. GP offers new releases and who doesn't like new releases???

[mindtwang]

Article talks about PS Now plenty and praises it.

[Bronxs15]

Hmm does ps now let me play games like m big games metro exodus, rage 2 , Witcher 3, Devil may cry 5. In addition to the first party released like gears 5, ori, Forza horizon, halo, hellblade etc

[Smokehouse]

The day 1 on gamepass was a game changer. It’s not an advantage over Sony but it was the saving grace of the current gen. Incredible value and it made the Xbox worth having. They can’t survive on gamepass alone and it can’t compete in a “console war”. Their new stacked first party is their biggest advantage. Putting those first party titles day one on gamepass is just the deal sealer. I’m already getting ps5. Getting a new Xbox depends entirely on Microsoft. It’s advantages over Sony mean nothing to me. It has to stand on its own as a system worth having. I already have an Xbox with gamepass.

[WickedLester]

Yes because Sony has no hope of offering anything remotely like it (rolls eyes)

[Smellsforfree]

I think PSNow and Game Pass will be pretty comparable come next generation. Again, it will come down to which system brings the best exclusives, and unless MS makes a major effort, Sony will dominate again.

I did the 360 and now am on XBox One X, so I've missed a ton of awesome PS3 and PS4 exclusive titles. If Sony pulls through and has solid backwards compatibility with the PS5, that might be the deciding factor for me to go with PS next gen.

I hope very much that Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continue to stay successful in the console market, and am a firm believer that they can all succeed along side each other.

This whole notion that the competition has to die or fail miserably that is in full display here in these comments is frankly immature.

[RosweeSon]

Except the lack of quality games

[derek]

Nothing is free, if you want high quality games you will have to pay for it eventually. Basement low subscription fees isn't sustainable.

[Silly gameAr]

Ugh, stop.

Game devs were talking about how increasing game cost will make the cost of developing games go up. That's why they went on the MT craze. How the hell are devs going to make money on new games giving them away for pennies with gamepass? Do people not think about this s***? Do people not use common sense anymore?

They're going to have to recoup those cost somehow. Gamepass is just a gateway to Gaas. I know I'm not the only one that sees this.

[gangsta_red]

"Gamepass is just a gateway to Gaas."

How? Most of the games on Game Pass are single player.

Funny how the argument for Game Pass is now the new concern that it's the gateway for GaaS. I don't remember you or anyone else making these scared predictions when Sony rolled out PSNow.

[TheKingKratos]

Ok boomer

[PrinterMan]

If this is their BIG advantage they’re in trouble.

[Bronxs15]

I don’t think you understand what advantage means!

[Da_Ocsta]

Gamepass WILL be the reason MS invests in more AA games. Its already started with that "shrunken kids multiplayer" and "weird forest thing multiplayer" first party games they recently announced. Also, lets not forget Phil's stance on single player gaming. Gamepass is a honey pot that will eventually dissapoint.

[Da_Ocsta]

Sony will have to fight a lot harder this gen. That much is true.

[ILostMyMind]

Oh, if GP is the best thing the XBox will have, I think I'll be fine with my PS5.

Thanks, Microsoft. You made my decision much easier.

[Bronxs15]

Smh. I don’t even think you understand the concept. It’s not the fact that it’s a service it’s what the services offers. It’s games they are going to have a ton of great games that you’ll be able to play very affordable.

Think Netflix. Imagine everything show and movie people watch on Netflix. And if Netflix didn’t exist to watch that same amount of content would have costed thousands in actually purchasing every DVD for the movies watched or box sets for tv seasons.
Don’t thank Microsoft they didn’t do anything for u. They offering great value but it’s your own ineptitude that makes your decision easier lol

[ILostMyMind]

GP content interests me no more than Netflix content. I prefer to play the good games and pay the right price for them. Microsoft did it for me in an attempt to capture me on their services until the release of the next XBox, when prices will cease to be $ 1. But you certainly don't see that because you are already mentally caught.

Shake your head at will.

[Dovergamer]

The reason people will pick PS5 over Xbox series x is because of one simple fact. The best exclusive games will be on the PS5. It happened with the PS4. Gamepass is not a feature that resembles any form of advantage against the potential library of PS5 exclusives. I will not be surprised if this time the proportion closes up to 4:1 in favor of Sony.

Ps5 will go hard with Horizon Zero Dawn 2, Spider Man 2, God of War 5, Bloodborne 2. Everybody knows that such games are inevitable in the PS5. And we are not factoring Resistance Fall of Man, Killzone 4, Gran Turismo among many other known franchises.

[zodiac909]

LOL

[Fraggle1987]

When your advantage is a subscription model you know your doing something wrong.

[Bronxs15]

Not when that subscription lets you use your console to play great games for great devs.

And any subscription is only as good as its content. Spotify is great but wouldn’t work if it didn’t have songs you want to listen to. Netflix is good but no one would subscribe if if didn’t have movies /shows people want to watch.
This is why gamepass works. Microsoft’s services has games people want to play. Get over it.

[Wontime1]

Gamespass is what I thought PS Plus was originally going to loosely evolve into. That's how Sony first marketed it, as something extra you pay into every month and get a bunch of goodies.
Now it's more or less known as the ticket to play online

[FallenAngel1984]

And PlayStation Now will grow alongside PS5

[GameStallion]

Is it really now?

[quenomamen]

Gamepass with lackluster games, I”ll pass.

[Donnie81]

Gamepass will be a good reason to own a Xbox. Still though so many people don’t know exactly what the service is. If rumors are true about Lockhart that combo will be a great buy for people not looking to spend 500. Yet still a comment section full of the same ol haters. For years you complain about Xbox one and 900p that’s fixed. You complain about games they go out and invest a record 10 billion plus dollars on games and studios in 2018. Scarlet is gonna be the most powerful system by a wide margin and the largest collection of first party studios in gaming history will keep gamers busy for years to come. Xo 19 was the best show anyone had all year including e3. Xbox is taking over so get on the hype train or get out of the way

[gamer7804]

gamespass is the best deal in gaming right now, that said its just one piece of the puzzle. MS needs to deliver with their first party studios with new AAA games which we haven't seen other than hell blade. They also need to deliver the most powerful console at a competitive price at the start of this gen to have a chance against the base playstation has built up since the launch of ps4 and the xbox one launch debacle.

[sampsonon]

yeah, old games and A and AA games will make Sony sweat for sure.

[Bronxs15]

Say what you will not gamepass is why I’m playing my Xbox more than my PS4 and why I’m more excited for the series x than ps5.

[esherwood]

As someone that’s always owned an Xbox this generation I’ve come pretty close to jumping ship. $60 for a AAA is a bargain and I have no problem spending that. I have a feeling game pass is just the Trojan horse for mt’s. Get the games in as many hands as possible and profit of the micro transactions. At the beginning of this generation they where crying about $60 not being enough for games these days and now Microsoft’s offering them for cheaper. I hope Sony keeps doing what it’s doing.

[bellome]

A desperate move that will end up killing Ms or the industry.

[ocelot07]

I personally think PS Now is more value for my needs. £40 for a year and I have access to over 800 games streamed and downloaded. I think Sony will start getting smaller devs to put there new titles on there like MS but I don't think they will put there own titles on there on day of release like ms.

[Mr_Luke]

Best advantage but not enough to stop people from choosing the PS5 probably. I say probably because who knows. For example, for sure i get the PS5. Besides that, i'm not interested in the GamePass at the moment. If one day i decide to activate it, i have my computer.

[WickedLester]

Good lord. Game Pass isnt supernatural. Do you realize how easy it will be for Sony to mimic that service through PS Now? They pretty much already are with the price drop to 9.99 per month. By the time next gen starts, Game Pass and PS Now will just be another feature on each platform. At the end of the day it STILL comes down to the game library.