While Sony and Nintendo still charge for access to online gaming, Microsoft could shake things up with its future console. According to a credible leak, the next generation of Xbox will drop fees for online multiplayer.
This is what asserts Jez Cordenjournalist at Windows Centralciting internal sources close to the development. If this is confirmed, it would be a major turnaround in the strategy of Microsoft, which had popularized the paid multiplayer subscription in 2002 with Xbox Live.
Microsoft reportedly considering removing online gaming fees
Since 2021, Xbox Live has become Xbox Networkbut its basic principle – paid access to multiplayer – remains the same, integrated into the formulas Game Pass. Yet, according to Jez Corden’s report, “Microsoft plans to remove multiplayer fees for next generation Xbox.”
A strategic choice which could be explained by the technical orientation of the machine. Corden claims that “the next Xbox is designed as a Windows PC in a TV-friendly case.” This hybrid positioning, very inspired by PC philosophy, conflicts with an economic model based on universal multiplayer subscription.
Because on PC, players have never agreed to pay to play online. Imposing such a system on a console designed as a living room computer would risk compromising its adoption. It is for this reason, according to the journalist, that “This is a key reason why Microsoft would consider removing the fees.”
A console designed as a bridge between the PC and the TV
The report also confirms several other important elements. Microsoft would continue to focus on full backwards compatibility : “The successor to the Xbox Series X/S will offer ‘full’ and ‘native’ access to the current library of Xbox consoles.” A strong promise for brand loyalists, keen to preserve their games.
Other notable info: Microsoft has not completely abandoned the idea of a portable console. Despite its partnership with ASUS (ROG Ally), “the company still wants to offer a proprietary handheld gaming system ‘one day’.” No concrete project has been confirmed, but the door remains open.
Finally, Game Pass could also evolve. Currently split into four plans (Console, PC, Ultimate, Core), the service could be simplified into a more “multi-platform” vision. THE PC Game Passconsidered too compartmentalized, would be the first to disappear.