Today, Microsoft shared a fresh episode of their official Xbox Podcast outlining the impending and extended plans for the Xbox platform. The gaming scene appears to be experiencing a notable change in direction by Microsoft.
As a researcher, I’ve noticed an interesting shift: First-party content is now generating more revenue compared to third-party content. This transformation is particularly evident on platforms like Xbox, where Xbox Game Pass is revolutionizing user interaction.
Microsoft has made significant strides by opening its software ecosystem to third-party marketplaces, such as PlayStation, more than ever before. In response, Sony has taken a step towards reciprocity, with Helldivers 2 set to debut on Xbox in the near future.
Jason Ronald, Vice President of Next-Generation, and Jason Beaumont, Vice President of Xbox Platform, recently met with Ethan Rothamel, a charismatic former Mixer employee from Xbox’s social team, for a chat about the future direction of Xbox.
The conversation centered around the evolving landscape of Xbox.
Beaumont comments that the team is working harder than ever before, as there’s an immense amount of work happening behind the scenes. They aim to release features across various platforms like PC, cloud gaming, and mobile, which requires significant investments. He also mentions the upcoming Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, stating they have been putting in a lot of effort to ensure their timely launch for the holiday season.
In a recent statement, the Vice President of Next-Gen, Jason Ronald, emphasized that when considering the future of Xbox, their focus is on making the player the focal point of the experience. Most gamers, he added, engage with games across various devices.
I’m excited to dive into numerous games on the Xbox Alloy, and I desire high-quality gaming experience on my home console, on my large TV screen. Our goal is to develop the Xbox platform so that players can enjoy their games from any preferred location they choose.
As we ponder the future of Xbox, our focus is on making the player the central element of every gaming encounter. With most gamers using various devices to play, this flexibility is crucial.
Jason Ronald, VP of next-gen
As a researcher focusing on the tech industry, I’d highlight Ronald’s points about Microsoft’s commitment to creating gaming-focused devices. Specifically, he underlines their intentions to launch a new, first-party Xbox console for the next generation of gaming.
Beamont and Ronald summarized several new updates to the Xbox PC platform, such as a combined library, consolidated storefront, mobile screen adjustment, among other enhancements. They subtly suggested that there might be additional features in the pipeline for members of the Xbox Insider Program on PC in the near future.
On Xbox Cloud Gaming: More regions, and a cloud-only subscription?
During the podcast, Microsoft’s team delved into several subjects, ranging from Xbox Cloud Gaming to what lies ahead for next-generation technology and beyond.
Jason Beaumont suggested that Microsoft intends to broaden the accessibility of Xbox Cloud Gaming across additional nations and scale up server capacity to cope with growing demand.
As a tech enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that our commitment to the cloud gaming sector remains unwavering. We’re planning to beef up our infrastructure by adding new cloud servers to cater to the increasing demand. Moreover, we’re delving deep into novel strategies to ensure our games reach a wider audience, regardless of their location.
In essence, our mission is crystal clear – we aim to make gaming accessible to everyone, everywhere. The cloud, with its remarkable capabilities, serves as the perfect platform for us to extend Xbox Cloud Gaming across numerous countries globally, allowing gamers worldwide to enjoy their favorite games no matter where they are.
I have quite a few games I’d like to dive into on the Xbox Alloy, and for an optimal experience, I prefer playing them on my large television connected to the console. We’re concentrating on enhancing the Xbox gaming ecosystem to enable players to enjoy their games wherever they choose to play them.
Jason Ronald, VP of next gen
Jason Ronald subtly indicated that Microsoft could be investigating alternative methods for accessing Xbox Cloud Gaming, based on our prior news about Microsoft potentially offering cloud-exclusive subscription tiers for Xbox Cloud Gaming. It’s possible that Microsoft might be considering integrating Xbox Cloud Gaming into the standard version of Xbox Game Pass with a scaled-down game library, or simply enabling users to stream their own cloud games.
One notable observation is that many gamers utilize Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for cloud gaming. Sometimes it serves as their main mode of play, while other times as a convenient option for on-the-go gaming. For us, this setup presents an opportunity to make it more budget-friendly and accessible to a wider audience, possibly expanding to new regions or providing additional methods for cloud access.
We aim to enhance the experience for our most loyal players. This could involve offering fresh first or third-party day-and-date titles, streaming options for personal games, and even additional benefits in free-to-play games. Our goal is to pack as much value as possible into their gaming journey.
On next-gen, Xbox Game Pass growth, and new hardware experiences
Jason Beaumont highlighted the surge of Xbox Play Anywhere, pointing out that Xbox sales beyond Game Pass are increasing by “more than ten percent”. In simpler terms, he said, “We’re finding a great match with game creators. Titles compatible with Xbox Play Anywhere get more playtime because they’re accessible on multiple devices. When it comes to Xbox Game Pass, we achieved the highest revenue ever and saw our highest payouts to developers at an all-time high.
As a tech aficionado, I’m thrilled to share that our platform is experiencing significant expansion! We’re witnessing double-digit growth in both self-produced and third-party transactions. Regardless of whether your game graces Game Pass or not, the possibilities for developers to connect with our community are multiplying rapidly.
The podcast team switched topics to focus on the upcoming generation of Xbox, which is being developed in collaboration with AMD. Jason Ronald subtly suggested advancements in AI-based rendering technologies, while also proposing a merger of storefronts like Steam, Xbox, and GOG into one single device. “We’ve had a long partnership with Xbox and AMD in driving gaming innovation over the decades, and we’re eager to carry on this relationship as we anticipate the future of Xbox.”
Furthermore, we’re experiencing robust growth of over ten percent in transactions from both direct (first-party) and indirect (third-party) sources. Regardless of whether a developer’s game is part of the Game Pass or not, there are numerous avenues for them to connect with players within our community.
Jason Beaumont, VP of Xbox Platform
Jason Ronald stated that innovations in silicon from AMD are likely to focus on consolidating marketplaces, or storefronts, across various platforms onto a single device. It’s speculated that the next Xbox could accommodate Steam, GOG, and even any Windows app, along with maintaining compatibility with your current Xbox game library.
Our primary focus lies in pioneering advancements in hardware and silicon technology, exploring possibilities beyond the existing generation of devices. This drive stems from our efforts to create a universal platform for seamless integration across various devices. Our aim is to make gaming accessible on multiple devices without being restricted to a single device or marketplace. We’ve developed libraries that span various services, and we want to highlight this versatile experience.
This brings to mind the initial stages of the first Xbox release. Our dream was to envision the potential of the Xbox console.
Jason Ronald, VP of next gen
Collaboratively speaking, AMD is working on specialized silicon for the future of gaming. This involves crafting cutting-edge rendering technologies, such as neural rendering, with the aim of heightening immersion. We’re also putting resources into developing AI-focused silicon that will revolutionize how you interact with games.
In partnership with AMD, we are creating specialized hardware tailored for the future of gaming. This includes innovations like next-gen rendering technologies, such as neural rendering, aimed at intensifying immersion. Furthermore, we’re focusing on advancing AI experiences with dedicated silicon that will revolutionize your gaming experience, starting this year with the Xbox Ally X, which boasts a built-in NPU for testing AI-enhanced features before they appear on our next-gen console.
In addition, this offers a novel platform for developers to explore and create unique experiences they hadn’t been able to previously. This journey commences in the current year with the release of the Xbox Ally X, as it features a dedicated Neural Processing Unit that enables us to test AI-driven interactions before we launch our next-generation console.
As a researcher delving into the evolution of gaming, I’ve been struck by Ronald’s point about how Microsoft has consistently innovated with a far-sighted vision since the inception of the original Xbox. Even when 56K modems were the norm, Microsoft was willing to stake its bet on a future where internet speeds would support an extensive Xbox Live platform, as evidenced by their forward-thinking approach.
As I reflect back on those thrilling times, it’s hard not to draw parallels with the pioneering days of the original Xbox. Much like us, there was a dream, a clear vision for where our cherished Xbox console could reach its zenith. We yearned for more than just a gaming device; we desired to unite gamers globally, and that ambition materialized into what we now know as Xbox Live. From a technological standpoint, it was evident from the outset that key investments were necessary – components such as a hard drive and an ethernet port being prime examples.
Back then, people were playing games using 56K modems. Investing in this hardware seemed unconventional at the time for us. However, we strongly believed in our vision. For us, it’s not about gambling against the future, but rather wagering on its success. We aim to follow the path of gamers and create a platform that empowers developers to realize their creative visions.
A glimpse into the future of Xbox
For the remainder of the podcast, Jason Ronald and Beaumont shared valuable information about the structure of Xbox Alloy and the creation of Xbox’s PC version. They discussed features such as offline functionality, and they highlighted Xbox Play Anywhere as well.
Developers need to actively choose to participate in the Xbox Play Anywhere program, and there are some who express reservations about providing multiple licenses without charge. For instance, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers initially appeared as an Xbox Play Anywhere title, only to be removed later. Resident Evil 7 was part of the program, but Resident Evil Village did not follow suit.
It’s the hardest I’ve ever seen the team working, there’s just so much going on.
Jason Beaumont, VP of Xbox Platform
Although Ready or Not didn’t initially offer Xbox Play Anywhere at its launch, it was later added. Some publishers like Square Enix have shown significant support for Xbox Play Anywhere, but it’s worth noting that the forthcoming Final Fantasy Tactics remaster isn’t part of the Xbox Play Anywhere program.
In simpler terms, for Microsoft to realize its vision, it needs to ensure software compatibility with silicon (chips). There’s a significant amount of content from the Xbox library, even games produced by Microsoft themselves, that cannot be played on a standard Windows PC.
In contrast to many other titles, Fallout 4 and Fallout 76 are not part of Xbox Play Anywhere. Moreover, it’s challenging to imagine how games initially developed for PCs such as Heroes of the Storm or World of Warcraft could adapt smoothly to consoles without substantial adjustments in gameplay mechanics. We’re curious to see how Xbox addresses this challenge.
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2025-08-18 20:13